Hi Hello
The year is coming to an end and there has been an abundance of great music that has come out this year and I would just like to take a moment and acknowledge those pieces of work. Now, I'm like everybody else, I listen to a wide variety of music, yes, but I do cater to a specific genre of music more because it is my favorite genre. So if this list seems heavy on a specific genre, don't go up in arms that its not diverse enough for you...its my top 14...not Billboards Top 14.
I have searched through my iTunes library for all the albums that have been released in 2014 and wrote them down. Then I went through that list and made my top 14. This is what I've come up with.
1. Sam Smith - In The Lonely Hour released June 17 on Capitol Records. (Pop, R&B, Soul). Basically if I could marry a voice...I would marry Sam Smith's voice. Pure beauty. Pure talent.
2. Ed Sheeran - X released June 20 on Asylum Records. (Acoustic). If it doesn't work out between Sam Smith's voice and me...I'd marry Ed Sheeran. Not just his voice...him in general.
3. We Are The In Crowd - WeirdKids released February 18 on Hopeless Records. (Alternative Rock, Punk). I have never related to an album as much as I did this one. Amazing.
4. John Laing and Brittany Benish - Christmas Memories released November 25. (Holiday, Christian). Gotta show the love for my friends and this EP is just amazing. If you haven't gotten it yet what is wrong with you?
5. One Direction - FOUR released November 17 on Syco Records. (Pop). I mean...I did a review on it and its just a great album!
6. Hozier - Hozier released July 29 on Rubyworks. (Indie Rock, Soul, Blues). This man can sing. No question this is a great album.
7. 5 Seconds of Summer - 5 Seconds of Summer released July 22 on Capitol Records. (Power Pop, Pop Punk, Pop Rock). Showing some love for the Australian idiots. Bringing be back to my high school days with this album.
8. Young Rising Sons - Young Rising Sons released July 22 on Interscope Records. (Indie Rock, Alternative Pop). Found out about them this year, saw them in concert, fell in love. Basically.
9. Troye Sivan - TRXYE released August 15 on EMI Records (Universal). (Pop, Electropop). Its something new from what I'm used to listening to but I fell in love with it once I heard it.
10. New Found Glory - Resurrection released October 7 on Hopeless Records. Loved New Found Glory as a young one and needless to say I was super stoked that this came out.
11. The Vamps - Meet The Vamps released November 4 (USA) on Virgin EMI Records. (Pop, Pop Rock). Hated the fact that I loved their music but couldn't buy it and so when I was able to I jumped on it.
12. Passenger - Whispers released June 10 on Black Crow Records. (Indie Rock, Acoustic, Soft Rock). Loved "All the Little Lights" so naturally, loved this album!
13. Nina Nesbitt - Nina Nesbitt released April 1, 2014 (USA) on Universal Island Records. (Pop, Acoustic) still a bit upset that I cannot get my hands on "Peroxide" but this was a nice treat for me this year.
14. Cher Lloyd - Sorry I'm Late released May 27 on Epic Records. (Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B). This was a surprise for me. Liked her, but didn't love her...until this album.
There you go! Those are my Top 14 of 2014! I highly suggest that you take some time and listen to these albums. All of them are great and are done by very talented artists.
If you have any albums that you feel have made your Top 14 of 2014 that are not on my list, please share them below and I will listen to them. Maybe they will make one of my playlists in the future??
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Holiday Listening Guide
Hi Hello
How is it already December???? I feel like I was just celebrating the Fourth of July and now I'm searching online for deals on Christmas gifts. Anyone else feel like this?
With the Holiday season upon us, so are the Christmas songs on the radio (and on my iPod playlist). But with only so many songs in the Christmas songbook, I can only listen to "Let It Snow" so many times until I get sick of it, and if you're anything like me...you'll need new artists and arrangements as well as original songs to listen to this season.
Here is my Holiday Listening Guide for most genres of music. Now, I say "most" because I do not have a Holiday album for all genres or age groups.
Christian
Simple Little Christmas by Anthem Lights is the perfect Pop Christian album to listen to this holiday season. Anthem Lights is a Christian Pop Boyband that are mainly known for their amazing covers on YouTube. This album not only has song Christmas classics like "O Holy Night" and "All I Want For Christmas" but they also have original songs on the track-list like my personal favorite and album title, "Simple Little Christmas."
Alternative
...And A Happy New Year by The Maine throws it back to 2008 with a fun and catchy Christmas Album. This album contains all original songs with one cover by the 80s band Wham! John O'Callaghan's voice is very unique and when you hear a song by The Maine you know exactly who it is. The Maine teamed up with Brighten on the song "Ho Ho Hopefully" where they did a fun little music video for on YouTube.
Another great album to listen to that falls into the Alternative category would be A Green River Ordinance Christmas by Green River Ordinance . This album adds a more orchestrated rock feel to song of the classics. The arrangements of these classics like "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night" really show case the band's abilities instrumentally as well as vocally. There are some shinning vocal harmonizing in both of these songs that just make your jaw drop.
Oldies
A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra by Frank Sinatra if you are looking for some classic songs with a nostalgic feeling of sitting by the fireplace sipping on some hot cocoa, this is the album for you. Everybody loves a little Sinatra, right? This album features some of Frank's best Christmas songs recorded with traditional classics as well as song songs you have forgotten about, like "Mistletoe and Holly" and "Adeste Fideles." If you're going to listen to any classic Christmas album this season, this one should be one of those at the top.
Rock
Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer by Relient K even though most people will classify Relient K as Alternative, I get a more rock feel from them than anything else. But, not only is the title of this album clever, the songs and arrangements on the album are hilarious to listen to. And their cleverness sarcasim doesn't end with the title, it goes on to their songs with titles like "I'm Getting Nuttin For Christmas" and "Santa Clause is Thumbing To Town" these songs are fun to just sing along with the hilariously recorded "Good King Wenceslas" which, if you're going to listen to any song off this album, it better be that one.
Country
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Other Christmas Classics by Gene Autry if you are going to listen to any country Christmas album I hope you listen to this one. I am not a huge country fan, and by "not a huge fan" I mean I don't listen to it at all really...with the exception of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton and some Alan Jackson. But this album I have on my iPod and I listen to it every Holiday season without fail. Yes, this album is full of classics, but just like the Frank Sinatra album, you need the classics in your life but the classics that are sung by a classic artist makes them more nostalgic and easier to listen to peacefully.
That is all I have! If you have any other albums that are in a different genre of music or that you feel are a great fit for these genres of music, please leave it in the comments below! All of these albums are my opinion (obviously) and they could not be the right fit for you, but give them a listen because they are all unique and they are my go-to albums for this time of year!
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
How is it already December???? I feel like I was just celebrating the Fourth of July and now I'm searching online for deals on Christmas gifts. Anyone else feel like this?
With the Holiday season upon us, so are the Christmas songs on the radio (and on my iPod playlist). But with only so many songs in the Christmas songbook, I can only listen to "Let It Snow" so many times until I get sick of it, and if you're anything like me...you'll need new artists and arrangements as well as original songs to listen to this season.
Here is my Holiday Listening Guide for most genres of music. Now, I say "most" because I do not have a Holiday album for all genres or age groups.
Christian
Simple Little Christmas by Anthem Lights is the perfect Pop Christian album to listen to this holiday season. Anthem Lights is a Christian Pop Boyband that are mainly known for their amazing covers on YouTube. This album not only has song Christmas classics like "O Holy Night" and "All I Want For Christmas" but they also have original songs on the track-list like my personal favorite and album title, "Simple Little Christmas."
Alternative
...And A Happy New Year by The Maine throws it back to 2008 with a fun and catchy Christmas Album. This album contains all original songs with one cover by the 80s band Wham! John O'Callaghan's voice is very unique and when you hear a song by The Maine you know exactly who it is. The Maine teamed up with Brighten on the song "Ho Ho Hopefully" where they did a fun little music video for on YouTube.
Another great album to listen to that falls into the Alternative category would be A Green River Ordinance Christmas by Green River Ordinance . This album adds a more orchestrated rock feel to song of the classics. The arrangements of these classics like "Silent Night" and "O Holy Night" really show case the band's abilities instrumentally as well as vocally. There are some shinning vocal harmonizing in both of these songs that just make your jaw drop.
Oldies
A Jolly Christmas From Frank Sinatra by Frank Sinatra if you are looking for some classic songs with a nostalgic feeling of sitting by the fireplace sipping on some hot cocoa, this is the album for you. Everybody loves a little Sinatra, right? This album features some of Frank's best Christmas songs recorded with traditional classics as well as song songs you have forgotten about, like "Mistletoe and Holly" and "Adeste Fideles." If you're going to listen to any classic Christmas album this season, this one should be one of those at the top.
Rock
Let It Snow Baby...Let It Reindeer by Relient K even though most people will classify Relient K as Alternative, I get a more rock feel from them than anything else. But, not only is the title of this album clever, the songs and arrangements on the album are hilarious to listen to. And their cleverness sarcasim doesn't end with the title, it goes on to their songs with titles like "I'm Getting Nuttin For Christmas" and "Santa Clause is Thumbing To Town" these songs are fun to just sing along with the hilariously recorded "Good King Wenceslas" which, if you're going to listen to any song off this album, it better be that one.
Country
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Other Christmas Classics by Gene Autry if you are going to listen to any country Christmas album I hope you listen to this one. I am not a huge country fan, and by "not a huge fan" I mean I don't listen to it at all really...with the exception of Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton and some Alan Jackson. But this album I have on my iPod and I listen to it every Holiday season without fail. Yes, this album is full of classics, but just like the Frank Sinatra album, you need the classics in your life but the classics that are sung by a classic artist makes them more nostalgic and easier to listen to peacefully.
That is all I have! If you have any other albums that are in a different genre of music or that you feel are a great fit for these genres of music, please leave it in the comments below! All of these albums are my opinion (obviously) and they could not be the right fit for you, but give them a listen because they are all unique and they are my go-to albums for this time of year!
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Christmas Memories
Hi Hello
Today is a very exciting day, hence why I am writing a post on a Tuesday and not on Sunday (but don't fret for I will post my playlist on Sunday). Today is special because two of my best friends released their debut Christmas EP entitled, "Christmas Memories" on iTunes. And to just persuade you to pick up a copy (don't be stingy its only $4.99, a steal compared to that One Direction album you just bought) I will be posting a little review of the album, track by track. So let's get started!
The EP starts off with the classic "The First Noel" and the opening instrumental is reminiscent of John's first album, "Awakened" (buy it here) with some celtic influences. But don't worry, if you are not a fan of celtic music, the whole song is not greatly influenced, once Brittany's voice comes in you are taken back to the first time you heard "The First Noel" and you are filled with the warm embrace of Christmas. When John comes in to join it adds to that warm feeling. Both of their voices sound like they were made to sing together. The tone of both of their voices compliment each other perfectly. The arrangement of the voices on this song is beautifully done and flows with the instrumentation that is backing them up.
The next song is a solo by Brittany and it is the modern Christmas classic, "Where Are You Christmas?" made popular by the 2000 movie "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." The Song starts off with a wind effect (nice touch friends) which gives you the feeling that Brittany is singing this while walking through Whoville looking up at the mountain that the Grinch lives on. I don't know if they noticed that, but it is what I imagine. Although the song starts off soft with an angelic sound to Brittany's voice, the song builds in the middle and becomes powerful and slowly decreases back to the soft angelic feeling as in the beginning.
Next comes John's solo entitled "The Light of Christmas Morn" which I feel is a very underrated Christmas song during the Holiday season. This is a song that when I listen to it I imagine John walking through a wooded area in the snow and finding the manger that Jesus was born in and the feeling of the true meaning of Christmas filling his heart. (when I typed that I noticed that I always imagine John in a wooded area with all of his songs...I did that on his full length as well) John's voice on this song is very smooth and actually reminds me of a well established boy band member that went solo...like if a member of Anthem Lights went solo, that would be John's voice on this track. The instrumental is subtle but every little addition is perfectly placed and adds to the overall feeling of this song.
The final song, and probably my favorite song on the EP, is "Angels We Have Heard On High" a very well known Christmas song, but the way that this song is arrange it is nothing like you have heard before. It comes in with a driving drumbeat and an extraordinary fanfare of trumpets with a call and repeat style between the voices and the trumpets. The song is at a fast tempo throughout most of the song but then slows down towards the middle with another celtic influence interlude. Probably my favorite part of the whole song is when they slowed down the famous "gloria excelsis deo" melody of the song to not be as fast as the normal tempo, but slowed it down to create an ending to the song that I've never heard before! Amazing track. Its my favorite on the EP, definitely.
And that is all for their debut EP. Christmas Memories is out now, and its literally a steal on iTunes! I highly suggest this EP to all of you, not because they are my friends and I'm doing a plug for them, but because they are truly talented musicians and this EP is nothing short of that. Wonderfully orchestrated and put together. This is not your typical Christmas EP, my dear readers, this has a new twist and unique sound to each Christmas song but with a traditional sound (if that makes sense). Its a unique take on the songs keeping with the traditional sounds...just go with it and buy it.
You can buy the EP, "Christmas Memories" on iTunes. I will also have the link in my sidebar over there >>>>> so if the link above is not working, you have another option. Please share this with your friends and get them excited for the Holiday seasons!!
See you all again on Sunday with my November Playlist!
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
Today is a very exciting day, hence why I am writing a post on a Tuesday and not on Sunday (but don't fret for I will post my playlist on Sunday). Today is special because two of my best friends released their debut Christmas EP entitled, "Christmas Memories" on iTunes. And to just persuade you to pick up a copy (don't be stingy its only $4.99, a steal compared to that One Direction album you just bought) I will be posting a little review of the album, track by track. So let's get started!
The EP starts off with the classic "The First Noel" and the opening instrumental is reminiscent of John's first album, "Awakened" (buy it here) with some celtic influences. But don't worry, if you are not a fan of celtic music, the whole song is not greatly influenced, once Brittany's voice comes in you are taken back to the first time you heard "The First Noel" and you are filled with the warm embrace of Christmas. When John comes in to join it adds to that warm feeling. Both of their voices sound like they were made to sing together. The tone of both of their voices compliment each other perfectly. The arrangement of the voices on this song is beautifully done and flows with the instrumentation that is backing them up.
The next song is a solo by Brittany and it is the modern Christmas classic, "Where Are You Christmas?" made popular by the 2000 movie "How The Grinch Stole Christmas." The Song starts off with a wind effect (nice touch friends) which gives you the feeling that Brittany is singing this while walking through Whoville looking up at the mountain that the Grinch lives on. I don't know if they noticed that, but it is what I imagine. Although the song starts off soft with an angelic sound to Brittany's voice, the song builds in the middle and becomes powerful and slowly decreases back to the soft angelic feeling as in the beginning.
Next comes John's solo entitled "The Light of Christmas Morn" which I feel is a very underrated Christmas song during the Holiday season. This is a song that when I listen to it I imagine John walking through a wooded area in the snow and finding the manger that Jesus was born in and the feeling of the true meaning of Christmas filling his heart. (when I typed that I noticed that I always imagine John in a wooded area with all of his songs...I did that on his full length as well) John's voice on this song is very smooth and actually reminds me of a well established boy band member that went solo...like if a member of Anthem Lights went solo, that would be John's voice on this track. The instrumental is subtle but every little addition is perfectly placed and adds to the overall feeling of this song.
The final song, and probably my favorite song on the EP, is "Angels We Have Heard On High" a very well known Christmas song, but the way that this song is arrange it is nothing like you have heard before. It comes in with a driving drumbeat and an extraordinary fanfare of trumpets with a call and repeat style between the voices and the trumpets. The song is at a fast tempo throughout most of the song but then slows down towards the middle with another celtic influence interlude. Probably my favorite part of the whole song is when they slowed down the famous "gloria excelsis deo" melody of the song to not be as fast as the normal tempo, but slowed it down to create an ending to the song that I've never heard before! Amazing track. Its my favorite on the EP, definitely.
And that is all for their debut EP. Christmas Memories is out now, and its literally a steal on iTunes! I highly suggest this EP to all of you, not because they are my friends and I'm doing a plug for them, but because they are truly talented musicians and this EP is nothing short of that. Wonderfully orchestrated and put together. This is not your typical Christmas EP, my dear readers, this has a new twist and unique sound to each Christmas song but with a traditional sound (if that makes sense). Its a unique take on the songs keeping with the traditional sounds...just go with it and buy it.
You can buy the EP, "Christmas Memories" on iTunes. I will also have the link in my sidebar over there >>>>> so if the link above is not working, you have another option. Please share this with your friends and get them excited for the Holiday seasons!!
See you all again on Sunday with my November Playlist!
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Christmas Memories November 25th!
Hi Hello
I am so excited to finally post this today, for the last few months I've been wanting to express my joy and excitement for this project that my dearest friends have been working diligently on AND NOW I CAN EXPRESS THAT TO YOU!
Now, like I've mentioned before, I have talented friends. One of those friends, John, actually has his own full length album (available now on iTunes) but now he has joined forces with our very close friend, Brittany, to make their debut Christmas EP! They have been talking about it since last year, and wanted to release something then but realized that time was not on their side and decided to put in the appropriate time and effort into making something as magical as the feeling of Christmas!
Their EP really brings home the true meaning and feeling of Christmas. Sometimes we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and we forget what it really means to us. The true meaning (whatever it may be to you) is showcased in their song selections. Not only are they keeping true to some classic songs of Christmas, but they have also brought in some more modern songs, like Brittany's solo.
Working up to the release of the EP, on Facebook we will be releasing promo photos leading up to the release date that is November 25th! It is being called the "12 Days of John and Brittany" (like that play on words here...12 days of Christmas...12 days of John and Brittany...ehh? ehhh? get it?) Each day we are releasing a new photo of the two with little sniplets of information about the EP as well as John and Brittany themselves! Trust me, this is something you don't want to miss out on.
So go to the link above to view the Facebook page and hit that little 'Like' button to stay updated! Once the album becomes available I will be posting a link on here as well as all of my social media sites, which you can access from the side panel >>>>>
I am so incredible proud of my friends (not like I've never been...) but with this Christmas EP, and being that it is two of my closets friends in the world, I am over the moon and all jittery in excitement over the approaching release date!
With the spirit of Christmas all over this post as well as floating in the air, tell me below you favorite thing about the Holidays, favorite movie..song..family tradition..whatever comes to mind when you think of Christmas.
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
I am so excited to finally post this today, for the last few months I've been wanting to express my joy and excitement for this project that my dearest friends have been working diligently on AND NOW I CAN EXPRESS THAT TO YOU!
Now, like I've mentioned before, I have talented friends. One of those friends, John, actually has his own full length album (available now on iTunes) but now he has joined forces with our very close friend, Brittany, to make their debut Christmas EP! They have been talking about it since last year, and wanted to release something then but realized that time was not on their side and decided to put in the appropriate time and effort into making something as magical as the feeling of Christmas!
Their EP really brings home the true meaning and feeling of Christmas. Sometimes we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and we forget what it really means to us. The true meaning (whatever it may be to you) is showcased in their song selections. Not only are they keeping true to some classic songs of Christmas, but they have also brought in some more modern songs, like Brittany's solo.
Working up to the release of the EP, on Facebook we will be releasing promo photos leading up to the release date that is November 25th! It is being called the "12 Days of John and Brittany" (like that play on words here...12 days of Christmas...12 days of John and Brittany...ehh? ehhh? get it?) Each day we are releasing a new photo of the two with little sniplets of information about the EP as well as John and Brittany themselves! Trust me, this is something you don't want to miss out on.
So go to the link above to view the Facebook page and hit that little 'Like' button to stay updated! Once the album becomes available I will be posting a link on here as well as all of my social media sites, which you can access from the side panel >>>>>
I am so incredible proud of my friends (not like I've never been...) but with this Christmas EP, and being that it is two of my closets friends in the world, I am over the moon and all jittery in excitement over the approaching release date!
With the spirit of Christmas all over this post as well as floating in the air, tell me below you favorite thing about the Holidays, favorite movie..song..family tradition..whatever comes to mind when you think of Christmas.
Until next time my misfits,
Stefanie
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