In Music: Adele - 21

Where do I begin?  The past few months, the world has been taken over by Adele.  Video after video, performance after performance, she's been relentless, and I couldn't be happier!  The new album dropped January in the UK and February in the US.  Topping the charts, Adele is back, and this time, she means business!  There's gospel, there's country, there's soul!  She's quickly proving to be the best artist of our generation.  Click through to see more amazing videos!

★★★★★

In Music: Swell Season - All The Way Down

The reason I'm doing this post is because one of my all time favorite bands, is breaking up.  The Swell Season is composed of Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova and some band members from Glen's previous band The Frames.  They gained international success with their movie "Once" which mirrors their real life tumultuous relationship.  If you haven't heard of them, I absolutely INSIST that you find more of their music right now!  Glen is going back to his old band and Marketa is working on a solo album.  I just hope and pray that someday the two will reunite.  For now, take a listen to one of my favorites, "All The Way Down."

Song: All The Way Down

Artist: Swell Season

Album: Once Official Movie Soundtrack

Writer: Glen Hansard

Label: Canvasback, Columbia, Sony Music Soundtrax

★★★★★

Mancandy Monday: Bonus! Cazwell - Ice Cream Truck

In Music: Janelle Monae - Cold War

All I can say about Janelle Monae is this chick is FABULOUS! I know that sounds super gay, but I don't know how else to describe her.  Her first album rocked my world, the second one is rocking my universe!  This song is my song for the summer! Enjoy it!

Song: Cold War

Artist: Janelle Monae

Album: The ArchAndroid

Writer: Nathaniel Irvin III, Charles Joseph II, Janelle Monáe Robinson

Label: Wondaland Arts Society, Bad Boy

 

★★★★★

Heather's Music Education: Broken Bells

The first course in Music Education from Professor Heather Kendrick Holt of the Freebird Institute is Broken Bells.  Broken Bells is a collaboration between lead singer from The Shins, James Mercer and artist-producer Brian Burton aka Danger Mouse. Released on Columbia Records in March of 2010, the self-titled album peaked at #7 on the US charts and #3 on the US Rock charts.  The sound itself is a great blend of the two contributing artists that sounds akin to Zero7.  Mercer's vocals compliment Danger Mouse's stylized tracks perfectly to blend a 60's style rock album with extremely modern indie production values.  All the songs on the album were written by both Mercer and Burton.  Listen to "October," my favorite track, below and click the post title for the track list and individual song ratings.

★★★★☆

Heather's Music Education

Professor Heather Kendrick Holt, a Musicologist from the Freebird Institute, has graciously donated 9 albums said to be ear pleasing and life changing.  Over the next week, I will delve into this music collection and see if any of it can produce the elusive "eargasm".  Stay tuned...