#cricketsplaylist

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Playlist #3

Check out this week’s playlist featuring some throwback jams and some new finds!

     My favorites from this playlist are “Gravel to Tempo” from Hayley Kiyoko’s new EP, Citrine; “Ultralight Beam” from Kanye’s Life of Pablo; and “Seen and Gone” by Kultiration.

     Hayley Kiyoko always finds her way into my headphones. Her tunes are addictive and an endless ocean. After each wave of a project, we are left floating until we are powered by the next. “Gravel to Tempo” is not a song you can listen to while sitting down. Listening to it makes you want to move. Check out the music video here!

     Kanye’s “Ultralight Beam” conveys one of the deepest spiritual experiences I’ve ever had listening to a song. I recommend listening to it alone in an open space. Give yourself headspace and feel each beat. I listen to it alone in my car at full volume and let myself sing it loud.

     During a Netflix binge, I came across a Sweedish movie that had “Seen and Gone” on the soundtrack. It’s fun and mellow vibe reminds me of Sublime but more measured and controlled. I appreciate the brass and harmonies in the song and how the lead guitar complements behind them. The combination of instruments is unique and entertaining.

New Playlist Coming Soon!

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Writing About Music

Check out my new music blog I’m doing for my Writing About Music class! I post class assignments, (almost weekly) playlists, and random pieces about music, life, and things that I see throughout the day that inspire me.

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Playlist #2

     I went back through my old playlists and I found one I listened to last year when I studied. All the songs have a very chill vibe, and I selected my favorites from that to put on Playlist #2. I also included some songs that I just discovered. Some of them are from back in the day, and others are a little newer. I found the most recent ones in very different ways.

     I first heard "Lemonade" by Jeremy Passion when I was sitting in my room one night. I was at my desk doing homework, trying to ignore the music blaring from the room next door when finally the bass ceased vibrating the wall. In came a ukulele. A simple chord progression accompanied by a beautiful voice. I had to stop to listen to it. I listened hard to try to catch the lyrics through the cinderblock wall. I looked up the lyrics and came across another version on youtube performed by Jeremy Passion, Tori Kelly, and Luke Edgemon. Passion plays guitar in this version. The trio harmonizes beautifully. Any version I hear of this song is soothing, but this one is definitely the hardest to take off of repeat. Lemonade - Jeremy Passion feat. Luke Edgemon & Tori Kelly

     Two of the songs on this playlist are by a band I had never heard before. Half Moon Run is a synthesis of Wilco, Radiohead, John Mayer, Beck, and James Bay; however, their sound is unmistakably unique. I am absolutely in love with it. "Warmest Regards" is the lead track from their newest album, Sun Leads Me On. The lead guitar plucks like Wilco and Mayer, while the vocals are reminiscent of Tom Yorke. Half Moon Run is one of the most talented bands I've come across in a long while. They produce intriguing melodies and rich harmonies. I'm very excited to hear more from them.

     The last song I'll mention is "Make Me Feel" by Sophie Ann. I really enjoy the instrumentation of the song. The piano and drums are classic, and the guitar adds dynamic layers. The vocals good, but the chorus is what makes me love this song – definitely the strongest lyrics of the song. Ann seems to be a singer still trying to find her sound or the type of singer who could sing a lot of styles of music. In parts, she sounds like an Amy Winehouse, and at other points, Lana Del Rey. I found this song watching the thirty-second trailer for the upcoming indie short film called "Piece of Cake," which will be released by The Riot Life on October 11, 2016. "Piece of Cake" Trailer

Check out the rest of Playlist #2 on iTunes & Apple Music!