In My iTunes: January 2008

For some reason it seems the amount of music one listens to increases exponentially in college. I have been running iTunes almost constantly lately. Here are some of the albums that are in my current rotation.

Peter Bjorn & John - Writer’s Block

I was recently introduced to this band by a friend who gave me the recommendation. The band has a unique sound that I really enjoy. From the whistling on Young Folks to the “ch-ch-ch” on The Chills, it feels like each track is a wholly original creation. This album released almost a year ago, but if you have not heard about it until now (like me) you will be treated to a very fresh and creative sound.

Top 3 1. Young Folks 2. The Chills 3. Up Against the Wall

Juno Soundtrack

Though there was some disagreement about my opinion on the film Juno, I personally loved the film. In my review I mentioned how important the soundtrack was to the movie. It was excellent, and I have been enjoying it very much during the last few weeks since seeing the film. Just like its movie parent, the soundtrack has a distinctly indie feel. However its quirkiness is part of its charm. The album is similar to Writer’s Block in the sense that to me both are imaginative and original. Those qualities are not usually easy to find, which is why I think I enjoy both of the albums so much. Even if you did not enjoy the movie I recommend checking out the soundtrack.

Top 3 1. Anyone Else But You (both versions) 2. All I Want is You - Barry Louis Polisar 3. Sea of Love - Cat Power

Paramore - Riot!

Are you looking for a pop/punk band with a female lead? Do three of the members need to be under the age of 21? If somehow you had those requirements in mind, Paramore is the band for you. If you did not have those requirements in mind, let me explain why I am listening to them. Firstly it might not be common knowledge that during middle school and early high school I listened almost exclusively to punk. I have seen MxPx live twice, and at one point in my life I bleached my hair and wore a wallet chain.

As scary as these things sound, they are combine to form my lingering connection to punk. I do not listen to nearly as much I did in the past, but every now and then I find a band that can touch on that connection and draw me in. The TV in my apartment is often tuned to fuse, a station that plays tons of music videos. A few days ago it was idling when the video for Misery Business by Paramore came on. From my room I heard the song and was intrigued so I check them out on iTunes. Since then I have been playing the album non-stop (I need to relax before I wear it out). All of my roommates agree that the band is solid so they get our vote of confidence.

Top 3 1. Misery Business 2. Hallelujah 3. For a Pessimist, I’m Pretty Optimistic

Wyclef Jean - Carnival Vol.II: Memoirs of an Immigrant

There is no way I could get through a list like this without my love of hip-hop coming out. The newest disc from Wyclef is excellent. Almost every track has a different artist featured on it, so in many ways it plays like a mix-tape. Every time you click next you are treated to a sound almost entirely different from the last. Of the albums listed in this post, I have been listening to this one the most. It has been in my rotation since shortly after its release (Dec.2007). Of course there is the extremely overplayed (but still good) Sweetest Girl, but if you can look beyond the single it is a fantastic album. Dolla dolla bill ya’ll.

Top 3 1. Fast Car 2. Heaven’s in New York 3. Slow Down

As you can tell from what I am listening to right now I have an eclectic taste in music. This post was really a result of writer’s block I have been struggling with lately. I decided to listen to some music for inspiration and from there it is pretty obvious what happened. Any thoughts on my current tunes? Let me know in the comments.