Fink - This Is The Thing

Thank God for Spotify. Seriously. It is my musical savior and I can't even count how many awesome things I have found thanks to Spotify radio. So today I was listening to Greg Holden' (I will get back to him one day) radio and this great song started playing. It is very similar to Ben Howard, but that just makes me like it more. I haven't listened to much else from Fink yet, but this is good enough for me to put him on my list for the future. Enjoy!

Thirty Seconds to Mars - Alibi

Thirty Seconds to Mars has been one of my favorites for about 6-7 years now (yes, I do have way too many favorite bands). I've seen them perform live twice and do have to mention that the atmosphere at their gigs is amazing. It's not too far fetch to agree with the statement that their fans aka Echelon truly is a cult. I was really sad when they decided to take some time off (although considering they did a 300 gig tour for their last album, it was necessary), but now I'm more than happy that the new album should be getting closer and closer. 

30STM has a lot of different songs that I love - everything ranging from anthems made for arenas as well as songs that suit perfectly with an acoustic performance in a little cafe. This morning I decided to go with 'Alibi'. It's a bit special song from their latest This is War album. I just get lost in this song. Try it. Close your eyes. Listen to the lyrics. And get suck into the song. 

Be yourself! Always!

Of Monsters and Men - King And Lionheart

Rock Werchter just announced more new names for this year's festival (although I don't have a ticket yet, I do plan to go there). There are definitely some gems. One of them is Of Monsters and Men. This band has really caught my heart. I kept hearing their song on Estonian Radio 2 a few mornings for some weeks and I was always really annoyed when I had time to look up the song and couldn't find it. Now that I've listened through the whole "My Head Is An Animal" album, I have to say that their music has a really nice feeling to it. Definitely my cup of tea! Enjoy!

Biffy Clyro - Many of Horror (When We Collide)

As I just found that Biffy Clyro's new album is available on Spotify, it felt like the perfect time to feature them here. The band comes from Scotland and has actually been active for 18 years already (which I just found out thanks to Wikipedia right now and color me impressed). Most probably they are most well known for the song below or "The Captain". I will forever be mad at myself for missing their performance in Estonia. 

Just listen and you'll love them. 

P.S. The new album is awesome!

Muse - Madness

Muse is mesmerizing. Enjoy!

Sheytoons - Broken

I'm getting back a bit to my musicals geekiness. I discovered Ramin Karimloo a while back and his voice just had me mesmerized instantly. He's most well known for playing the Phantom in the Phantom of the Opera and also Valjean in Les Mis on West End. And then I also found Hadley Fraser. He definitely caught my eye when I watched the 25th anniversary concert of Les Mis in O2. He did not have that much stage time as Grantaire, but he made the most of the time granted. Definitely had people saying 'ooh and aah' (yep, that's a reference to the lyrics he sang there).

Now let's get back to business. Can you imagine my excitement when I found out that these two have a band called Sheytoons? Although most of the videos of the band on YouTube are live recordings either from jamming sessions of concerts, I got a very nice overview of their music. It's a step from their regular musical theater to bluegrass. A long step, but a good one. I think it's a thing due to all the vocal training they get with musical theater, but their voices have a special sound to them. A sound that I really enjoy.

Although the video doesn't have the best quality, the sound is great. I just love how their voices melt into perfect harmony. I do hope to find more songs from the Sheytoons soon.

Ron Pope - A Drop In The Ocean

The Vampire Diaries is a TV show with I think one of the best soundtracks ever. I love how they have some well-known songs on the show, but mostly there are so many unknown ones. This is how you discover new and great music. I think I can't even count how many great songs I know because of the show. Whoever chooses the music - I'm extremely grateful to you!

This song was in an episode some time ago and I'm happy that I was reminded about it. This is just beautiful and Ron Pope has a lot more in the same style. Perfect for sitting with a nice cup of tea and a good book and listening to these songs!

Music gives me butterflies...

The Avett Brothers - "Down With The Shine"

I was just watching a video on YouTube when one of the suggested ones next to it was a song by The Avett Brothers. I think I'm very happy I clicked on it. To me they have a slight taste of the Vaccines, you can hear a bit of Mumford and Sons and a lot of flavor by themselves. Check it out!

People In Planes - Pretty Buildings

I don't know much about People in Planes. All I know is that 'Pretty Buildings' is a freakin' awesome song. Enjoy!

This moment!

Linkin Park - Numb

Linkin Park is an oldie, but definitely a goldie. By oldie I do not mean that they are no longer relevant, but rather that they have been on my permanent playlist for definitely more than 10 years. And I'm pretty sure they are not going anywhere from it. I think it's even safe to say that they were the passage way for me to the music that I listen to nowadays. Again, there are so many songs to choose from. Although they have changed with different albums, but I do have favorites from all of them. I know that a lot of fans were complaining that they have changed too much, but I like to believe that artists should be left their artistic freedom and it is quite normal that over such a long time their music changes. It would be strange if it wouldn't.

'Numb' and 'Breaking the Habit' are on top of my favorite songs list with 'My December', 'Castle of Glass', 'Together We Made It', 'Runaway', 'In the End' and oh so many more. This time 'Numb' wins! One thing that's on my bucket list is to see them perform live, I do wish that dream would come true soon! 

Just listen.

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye! [The Little Prince]

Snow Patrol - This Isn't Everything You Are

It was not an easy decision to make up my mind on which song from Snow Patrol should be posted here. There were many to choose from. I do have to say that some of their older creations is not completely my cup of tea, but  there are a lot of songs that are. Snow Patrol was also one of the bands I had the pleasure of seeing live at last year's Rock Werchter festival and a spot on the main stage was well deserved. They do not disappoint. But long story is not a good story, so for now I leave you with this gem of a song!

Les Misérables - Extended First Look

I think for a lot of people it is a guilty pleasure, but I say with pride that I totally love and adore musicals. I've loved them since I was little. In my mind Andrew Lloyd Webber is a true genius, but my all time favorite musical is definitely Les Misérables. It might be because that it is the first musical I remember seeing on the big stage (there were also one about Pooh bear and another about the Gingerbread man when I was little, but can't remember them). Anyway, this musical has enchanted me for more than 10 years. I've watched I think more or less every version available on YouTube or anywhere else online. I definitely recommend the 25th anniversary concert show in the O2 arena in London (if I could cut out Joe Jonas as Marius). Anyway, can you imagine my excitement when I found out that it was made into a movie? I think I haven't waited a single movie like that ever. Seriously, never before. And it took a while.
Luckily, the movie did not disappoint. Even after seeing it for the second time tonight. It's a wonderful and amazing production. Of course, there were faults. Some musical numbers would have needed a stronger voice material, but most of the actors are not musical actors from stage and considering they did all the singing live on set, it is magnificent (I'm quite easily pleased, so it just might be that I'm just not too critical, but oh well, it's my opinion). There are just too many numbers that I love. Hugh Jackman's Jean Valjean will take a long time to beat. I think I could continue this post for a long time, but I won't go there. Only thing to add - go and see the movie and enjoy the music! I love it! There might be a third visit to the cinema for the same reason...

Mumford & Sons - Awake My Soul

Mumford&Sons have been on my constant playlist for almost 2 years by now. Their folk-rocky sound, interesting instrument combinations and deep lyrics cannot be heard too many times. In addition to that, I can for sure say that these guys are amazing live performers. I had the pleasure of seeing them take the main stage at last year's Rock Werchter festival in Belgium and to say they blew me away would be to put it mildly. They seriously gave their all on the stage and it didn't take much effort to get the crowd cheering and dancing along. For the whole show.

In terms of their records. Latest one called 'Babel' sounds more refined and although every song separately is a piece of wonderful music, all together they form a masterpiece. This does not mean that I would appreciate their 'first-born' Sigh No More any less. What I'm trying to say is that you can see clear development in their music, but still they haven't lost their original sound that I fell in love with.

Ben Howard - Rock Werchter 2012

With only a few days into writing here, it seems to me that I might start abusing this blog. There is just so much good music that I want to share with you. Hope nobody will mind! And yes, I know that I did cover Ben Howard already in the first post, but finding this full concert video from Rock Werchter festival from last summer just had to be share. This is also the show that I saw him performing live. I've never seen anyone handle their guitar in that way and perform with such passion while being completely humbled by the crowds reaction. I can truly say that this gig was one of the highlights of last year's festival (well see what this year will bring). The whole atmosphere in the tent was amazing - just thousands of people watching in awe of a musical genius! Love it! A must-watch! 

A professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. 
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. 
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.' 
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 
'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. 
The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. 
So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first - the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.' One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Young Guns - Bones

Young Guns is definitely one of the best new discoveries of 2012 thanks to M. These Brits have been doing music for almost 10 years, but have definitely hit a high point with the latest album called 'Bones'. Gustav Wood's lead vocals stand out. This is the title track and one of my favorites from the whole album. Definitely recommend to check the whole thing as well as their live performances on YouTube out! 

Civil Twilight - Letters From The Sky

Civil Twilight comes from South African Republic. I can't figure out why they are not known all over the world. His sound just grabs hold of you and won't let go. Just the perfect sound to Sunday evening!

Nobody will do it for you!

Ben Howard - Wouldn't Be A Lie

It didn't take me long to figure out who should be the hero of the first post here - obviously it's Ben Howard. This young guy is more than amazing. Just listen to this voice, just look at him handling his guitar, just see the adorable shyness. Can you say 'perfection'?

A long time coming!

I've been thinking about starting a blog once again for a while now. I used to keep it for years just to keep a record of everyday happenings and what was going on in my life. Not so sure if I want to keep such a public journal of my life again, but there is something I do want to do. That is to share good music and other little inspirations that exists in my life and catch my eye. So this is what this blog will be about. With every day I just keep realizing that there is so many very talented people, beautiful music and simply so much excellent music, but not enough time to cover all of it. Anyway, here you'll find good music, pretty pictures and inspirational quotes. Happy following! :)