Jen and I have received a multitude of musical influence from our friends, the Reeds. The title of this post is an allusion to a handful of compilations (formerly known as mix tapes) they have put together to broaden our horizons. Earsnacks 1.0 was a Christmas gift to our small group. Immediately prior to our leaving Tampa, we were gifted with Earsnacks 2.1 and 2.2. Now that I’ve had approximately 1 month to chew on these “snacks,” I’ll share my take. First off, the piano is back. Second, I’m reviewing the second disc (2.2) first as it is the one currently playing, will get around to the second one later. Would include a link to each band/artist’s website, but I’m too tired for that right now.
Volume 2.2
1. Fake Empire by The National: I love the drum intro because it seems not to match at first, then seamlessly folds in. Think I’ll try to find more of their stuff as this is a good intro.
2. Open Your Eyes by Snow Patrol: For some reason, this song keeps getting stuck in my head as I go through the day. That’s not a bad thing, it has a nice slow build.
3. Viva la Vida by Coldplay: I’ve already mentioned the new Coldplay album and this is the song from the iTunes commercial. The whole album is great, and this is another song that sits in my head all day long, and everyone recognizes it when I’m absently whistling.
4. Gone, Gone, Gone by Robert Page and Alison Krauss: This song has a great feel. These 2 are coming Nashville soon and I’m bummed that it’s sold out. I’ve also listened to their album on imeem and it’s good. An interesting fusion of astists that really works.
5. Coconut Skins by Damien Rice: This is one of those songs that sounds great but you have to listen to the lyrics, very interesting. Not sure I fully understand it yet.
6. Under Cold Blue Stars by Josh Rouse: Feels like it could have been in one of those Geico caveman commercials.
7. Not a Job by Elbow: I feel like I should be watching someone in a movie riding a train through a semi-industrial setting, struggling with the decisions they’ve made and the pain they still bear. You get me? Again, I could listen to this song often to be taken to that scene, I should probably listen to more of his stuff.
8. Winter by Joshua Radin: Again with the movie theme, but a walking song. My favorite time of year is winter and I like music that evokes pictures in my mind of cold weather.
9. Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Greg Laswell: A lot of covers really blow, not this one
10. Let’s Go Dancing by Teitur: This is the song in this list that Jen would sing to me. Very simple, but beautiful. Great guitar work.
11. Guess It May by Rosie Thomas: For those of you out there looking to woo the ladies, give her some Rosie Thomas and make sure she hears this song. This applies to any of you who are married also. Absolutely incredible.
12. If Not For You by Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken: similar as the previous song, but not quite as incredible.
13. (Night Time Is) The Right Time by Ray Charles: Memories of the Cosby show and their rendition of this song. Not new, but a whole lot of fun.
14. Mistaken For Strangers by The National: Oh, I didn’t realize that they made it on twice. Another strong showing, I’m not sure that the lead singer’s voice is for everyone, works for me.
15. Munich by Editors: I like the way that such an upbeat song is this late in the rotation, keeps your attention. Just another sign that there’s still some good music out there.
16. Lovers in Japan/Reign of Love by Coldplay: awesome piano intro, goldmine.
17. Untitled 4 by Sigur Ros: Nice outro for the compilation. I believe that Josh commented on how good this band is for people watching and blogging in an airport. Agreed.
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