music post!

I rarely write about music. I think music is something you simply can't write about because you only have to feel it (*snorts* yeah, right, that's laziness talking). Seriously though, when I look back, I wax lyrical about feelings and books and identity crisis more than any other thing. Which is weird, since music and movies (!!) are pretty up there in my list of interests. I was thinking of doing a massive and ambitious post listing my favorite albums of ALL-TIME, but that would be taxing. Again, did I mention how hard it is to not simply go, "OMG I LOVE THIS ALBUM PERIOD KTHX" every time you do a review of an album? I'm not a musician, so I don't understand many of the technical stuff... however, I'm gonna give it a go.

2013 has been SO GOOD when it comes to new albums. There are ones that even surprised me with how much I actually enjoyed them. Without further ado, here are my current favorite albums (not in order):

Justin Timberlake - The 20/20 Experience

Yep. Not ashamed to admit it. Justin Timberlake, to me, is a force to be reckoned with. Like, he might as well have been born black (but lol at how much he tries, though). I don't actually follow his career, only enjoying a few of his songs here and there, like for instance - "Senorita" is so great for karaoke! But this album shows how much he's matured as a singer-songwriter-performer. I think he's finally found his "vibe". It's where it has always belonged. Soulful, almost bluesy kind of songs, perfectly R&B (lol here's me trying to act like I do know my stuff). That being said, I really enjoyed this album. "Suit & Tie" didn't initially grab me, but it's definitely the kind of song that requires multiple listens. "Mirrors" on the other hand, is a lot more catchy, and plays heavily on JT's asset, which is his falsetto. It's this kind of ballad that he knows he does best.

Other notable tracks: "Strawberry Bubblegum" (nonchalantly sexy!) and "Let The Groove In" (such a contagious beat and includes lyrics such as: "Are you comfortable? Right there, right there." Smooth, Mr. Timberlake. Smooth.)

She & Him - Volume 3

Some people have been saying that Zooey Deschanel's "quirky, cute" act is getting tiring. Perhaps. Others have said that she should stick to singing only. Perhaps times two. It's all a matter of preference, but I definitely think she is more in her element when she sings. Now, unusual choice of music aside (Zooey and M. Ward, who is the "Him" in She & Him, play 50s-60s kind of music which I LOVE), Zooey's voice is perfect for it. With the playful melody and her sultry voice, it seems as if we've been transported in another era. Like, I can picture myself having an afternoon tea with my fellow ladies and listening to this album. I definitely like this more than their previous albums, which says a lot. Volume 3 is a dream. A favorite of mine is "Somebody Sweet To Talk To", which is just so... earnest in its longing, but cheerfully so. "Never Wanted Your Love" and "I Could've Been Your Girl" are the same in that regard: a woman telling a man what she wants, basically.

Other notable tracks: "Together" and "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me" (so gorgeous and unapologetic in being romantic!) On a sidenote, apparently Zooey wrote 11 songs out of 14, and the 3 remaining songs are cover songs. Respect.

Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City

Ugh, my favorite preppy boys (whom I didn't get to see in concert a few years ago, psh what a load of rubbish). I must admit I haven't actually been following their career for quite a while, but I'm so excited for this album (naturally). I guess I've just missed them a lot. That being said, listening to this album makes me want to watch them in concert even more. They definitely sound like they're having so much fun on this one. "Unbelievers" will catch you unaware with its contagious beat, but you're up for the ride anyway, while "Step" is slower but will keep you entranced. Lead single "Diane Young" will of course sound more familiar as it closely resembles their previous hits with the tempo seemingly being accelerated ten times over (a bit like "Cousins", really). Weirdly enough, that bit at the end of the song with Ezra channeling Elvis Presley is possibly my favorite part of the song!

Other notable tracks: "Everlasting Arms" (love everything about this song),"Finger Back" (goodness gracious, boys!), "Ya Hey"

Joshua Radin - Wax Wings

I have a soft spot for folk music, and Joshua Radin definitely tops the list of my favorite singers. With such heartwarming, beautiful lyrics, it's impossible not to fall in love with him. Again, I picture myself sitting in a meadow full of daisies in a sunny afternoon. (Damnit all to hell, I'm a fucking girl at heart, aren't I? Such a sappy romantic.) To be honest, this album somehow borders on country, which I'm not sure I like... but then again, without realizing it, we've been listening (and actually liking) pop country songs. "When We're Together" is one such song that has a somewhat country feel, but still maintains the folk core (dafuq am I talking about?). "Cross That Line" is the ultimate Joshua Radin song, reminds me so much of "Winter". "Back To Where I'm From" is a lovely gem and somehow feels very... American, while "Lovely Tonight" makes me want to wear a beautiful gown, like Elie Saab or something, and lounge in it while a man compliments me on my beauty.

Other notable tracks: "Your Rainy Days", "With Me", "Like They Used To" (lol string those titles together and they form a sentence)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Mosquito

I'm kind of a late bloomer. I check out music when, and only when, people make such a big fuss about it that I just have to check it out only to satisfy my curiosity. Yeah Yeah Yeahs is one of them. I've only known one song from them, and it's, predictably, "Maps". Other than that, I'm completely clueless about YYYs (which is weird, since, judging on my affinity with unique band names and my tendency to check them out only for that reason, I should have liked YYYs from ages ago). Anyway - so this is coming from a newbie. I liked this album. Don't let the off-putting album cover throw you off. Much like "Maps", I liked the subtle "Subway" while "Mosquito" definitely has a 70s rock feel. Love it. "Slave" is another track I enjoyed, only because it somehow felt... 90s grunge-y, do you follow me? Now that I think of it, the cover artwork also feels a bit like a tribute to Nirvana's album... or maybe I'm reaching for straws here.

Other notable tracks: "These Paths" (love the synth), "Buried Alive" (so great with the rap in-between lmao)