Musicial Musings of Ho: April 2011

I haven't done a non-song of the day post in awhile! So I thought it would be fun to look at some of the albums I've been listening to currently. Tell me what you think and tell me what you are listening to!

1. Adele- 21
What could be said about Adele? Her voice is the real draw to this amazing album and she makes you feel like she is in the room with you. Smokey, sultry and just soulful Adele could sing the alphabet and it would still be marvelous. 21- the name of sophomore album and how old she was when she wrote the album is all about the natural progression of a relationship, ending with the beautiful but tragic Someone Like You where she claims that she is still in love with a man who has not only moved on, but has found happiness. There is a great mix to the album all tied together by the soulfulness of her voice. I recommend 21 to anyone and listen to what a real artist sounds like.
Repeat that track!: Rolling in the Deep, Someone to Love, Set Fire to the Rain

2. Ellie Goulding- Bright Lights
I feel like this blog has recently become a small ode to Miss Goulding. I can't state how great this British import is and I hope you will find out for yourself. Ellie's album, Bright Lights is a mash up of folk(y-ness), electronic pop and personal lyrics. What stands out in the album is Ellie's voice- kind of strange at first, but eventually that whispy-ness and vulnerability of her voice just adds to the songs. Working with super-producers Starsmith and Frankmusik, they added that dash of electro-pop edge just to give Ellie a different sound that for all purposes works. While the softness of her voice might mislead to thinking that the album is featherweight, take a listen. Her songs are about heavy subjects, such as destructive relationships on a physical and psychological level (Under the Sheets), dealing with relationship and in ways forsaken it (This Love Will be Your Downfall) and a jump into the darker side of sexuality (Animal). Check out this debut album because she's def. here to stay.
Songs to repeat!: Under the Sheets, Guns and Horses, This Love Will be Your Downfall

3. Mumford and Sons- Sigh No More
I think it's safe to say they have gained a huge following. Sigh No More the debut album from Mumford and Sons, in which it combines the sounds of traditional American bluegrass, alternative and pop elements that really drives their sound home. There is something exceptionally sad about their lyrics and while they may not be the most insightful lyrics, the simplicity plays well with the music. Songs such as Winter Winds and Little Lion Man, show a sense of belonging and guilt for mistaken deeds. I think it fits well within the genre of bluegrass and that melancholy-ness that pervades it. Either way, it's a great genre breaking album that you can't just help but love.

4. Nelly Furtado- Folklore
Probably the oldest album on this list right now, I was looking for something to listen to the other day and I remembered that Folklore, the sophomore album by Nelly Furtado was always a great and unique listen. I then pulled up the album on my iTunes and I remembered why I had love Furtado as an artist. While most known for her third album, Loose, a more pop driven album and a little more sexually provacative, Folklore shows Furtado going back to her roots- drawing from an eclectic mix of different cultural music and her own Portuguese heritage. This album is definitely more experimental than her debut album Whoa, Nelly! and that's what makes this such a fun album. While not for everyone, she shouts to the roof tops that she's proud of who is she (songs like One Trick Pony and Powerless). Nelly Furtado also really matured as a song writer during this album, and my favorite track of hers (of all time) Try is a very mature acceptance of growing up, the pain that we all face and will continue to face. Check out this overlooked album!
Song to repeat!: Try, One Trick Pony, Explode, Forca

5. Panic! at the Disco- Vices and Virtue
Panic is back and with a vengeance! Making a huge lineup change (pretty much changing everyone but Brandon the lead singer) and being left with a drummer, Panic! at the Disco's third album, Vices and Virtues is def. a return to form after their second album. A continuation of the fast, electronic/burlesque type music, but a little earthy and more guitar driven then the previous albums, Vices and Virtues has some great tracks on it. The album's first single, Ballad of Mona Lisa explodes with a piano rift, and those strangely macabre Panic lyrics that they have mastered so well. Other great tracks like Ready to Go and Hurricane spell the return of this fun, contemporary and kind of poignant band. It's time to panic.
Songs to repeat!: Ballad of Mona Lisa, Hurricanes, Memories, Ready to Go

6. Mark Ronson and the Business Intl.- Record Collection
The third album from super producer Mark Ronson is pure genius. Creating a huge ensemble of his favorite artists, such as the lovely Rose Dougall, electro-pop princess MDNR, Q-Tip, Andrew Wyatt (of Miike Snow) and Alex Greenwald (of Phantom Planet) and calling them the Business Intl'. The album is a fantastic ode to the 80's drawing forth the synths and rythms of Culture Club and Duran Duran (who he gets represenatives from each group to guest star on songs- Somebody to Love Me and Record Collection respectively). The songs are fun, strange and catchy all the same time. I think a representative sample of the entire album is the weird, infectious and inspired by the traditional French song "Alouette"- Bang Bang Bang- a song that is led by Q-Tip and MDNR. I've been playing this album non-stop and you should check it out!
Songs to Repeat!: Bang Bang Bang, Record Collection(Mark Ronson's singing debut!), Somebody to Love Me