Listen.

When you visit my blog, my music player automatically plays, giving you a taste of what I've been listening to lately. Here's some info and a few further suggestions:

A Beautiful World by Tim Myers~ Tim Myers was with the band OneRepublic during their first release. He wrote their song "Stop and Stare" and a few others before embarking on a solo career. This song, A Beautiful World, just feels good to listen to. Listen to it on a scenic drive.

Why Do You Let Me Stay Here by She & Him~ This is one I'm exited about. Remember that little Chirstmas movie, Elf? Remember the actress, Zooey Deschanel, who spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear? Well, she paired up with Indie great M. Ward to put out a record under the name She & Him. Her voice has a Billie Holiday/60's Motown/Patsy Cline influence. She wrote most of the songs on the album, they're not all my favorite, but I do love their cover of Smokey Robinson's "You Really Got A Hold On Me". The song is a classic. Her voice communicates it very well.

Clouds by The Submarines~ The Submarines, like Mates of State, are a husband and wife duo. They are super cute, and their music is light and sweet. This song, Clouds, is hopeful and has a sweeping feel to it. Whenever I listen this band (or Mates of State) I can't help but want to be a part of a husband and wife musical duo. They make it look so fun. :)

Fall Apart Art by Takka Takka~ Takka Takka and the The Submarines have something in common. Both were featured in the movie Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (Their song, Fever, is one of the best songs on the soundtrack!). They're (approximately) two parts folk and one part indie with a Yo La Tengo influence, for sure. Fall Apart Art reminds me of the Strokes in 2001. Good to listen to when driving with friends at night (I mostly listen to music in my car. It's become how I define the mood and tone of a song. Odd.)

And It Stoned Me by Van Morrison~ Love him, love him, love him. He is far more than a feel good song about brown eyes played at most weddings. He is soul and jazz and poetry and wisdom. His voice is unlike any other. Any man who wants to be a part of my life must enjoy Van Morrison. Grab a beer in the evening, sit out on your deck (or porch) and put on And It Stoned Me. You won't regret it.

Skinny Love by Bon Iver~ Bon Iver (a solo effort by a guy actually named Justin) has an Iron and Wine influence. The chorus of Skinny Love is so earnest, so heartfelt. A simple band, a simple song, but always a pleasure to listen to. If you like Sparklehorse or Ray LaMontagne, you'll enjoy Bon Iver.

Restless Love by Josh Garrels~ Remember the surf movie, Walking on Water? Josh Garrels was featured in that film. The soundtrack to the movie is pretty good. It's not available on iTunes, but you can pick it up from their website, or look up each artist from the soundtrack on iTunes. I would also suggest you buy some of Tom Curren's music, which is available on iTunes. I love the fast guitar rhythm of Restless Love and the soulful, folkie tone to Josh's voice. Let's go to the beach.

And Then You by Greg Laswell~ Oh Greg. I saw you in SF and you were so softspoken and funny and wonderful. You write beautiful songs about life and pain and family and love (returned and lost). Your voice has the tenderness of Mat Kearney without the white boy spoken word element. And you work with Molly Jenson, which I think is pretty cool.

*Side note: Go buy Molly Jenson's album Maybe Tomorrow right NOW. That's all I have to say. Buy it and love it. Then come back and finish reading this blog.

Desert Sunrise by Brett Dennen~ I stumbled upon Brett Dennen years ago at Rasputins in San Leandro. I was astounded that such a young boy could write such amazing music. The first line of Desert Sunrise says "A desert sunrise you warm my soul". This describes Brett Dennen's music. His acoustic guitar playing reminds me of John Mayer, which makes sense, he has toured with him multiple times. Good stuff, my friends. Check him out if you haven't already.

So that's a splash of what I've been listening to (besides the Halloween playlist on my iPod after school with the kids). Listen to it, love it, let me know what you've been listening to! :)