Christmas In L.A. / December 6, 2013 by E

I just woke up from a seventeen hour nap. That was perfect. I think the flu might not kill me now. Regardless, that means I got home yesterday, put up one prepared post, then passed out before I could do anything about finishing the interview's appearance, so you didn't get your promised interview.

My interview with Julian Taylor will be up this afternoon rather and, until then, you can check out the great Felix Cartal ("Black and White" featured as song of the day) and The Killer's "Christmas in L.A.".

Listen to the single below and love The Killers' always awesome lyrics and Flowers' gorgeous vocals.

"Christmas In L.A." The Killers featuring Dawes

- E

Rats / December 4, 2013 by E

It's got just enough of a jazz influence to keep it interesting, but refrains from drowning in that horns section, and mixes in the perfect amount of R&B to smooth it all over; Rainy Milo's "Rats" is addictive.

"Rats" Rainy Milo

- E

John Doe / December 3, 2013 by E

B.o.B. is ridiculously underrated and his new single is so catchy but still has the best lyrics and I've played the song on loop thrice already (plus, Priscilla's vocals are gorgeous).

Also released today was SafetySuit's "On Your Side", but I'm super incoherent with the flu and I'm just really proud of myself for remembering to put pants on before class and work so I'll try to write a post later that does the SafetySuit single justice. Get both these singles on iTunes now.

"John Doe" B.o.B featuring Priscilla

- E

You Never Need Nobody / December 3, 2013 by E

One of the most amazing small bands I've ever seen live. I was sitting on the ground in front of the stage and they still made it seem like I was right up there with them. It was intimate, in the best way, but with a fun and relaxed vibe that ran throughout, and the band and performance were just utterly amazing. It's the only time a live performance has completely entranced me and made me an instant fan; other performances may result in my listening to their music afterwards to decide if I really like them, but I knew I loved The Lone Bellow's music halfway through their second song. If you can only see one folk/country band live this year, make it these guys, because those vocal harmonies are just oh so sweet and the only thing more powerful than those aching melodies coming through your headphones is hearing them coming from a tiny stage.

Check out the song because that composition is pure perfection, every lyric is great but "I won't dance around this no more, I'm the only one you should smile for" is amazing and ending where they began, with "and I try to get your affection, and all I ever do is wrong", is simply fantastic.

"You Never Need Nobody" The Lone Bellow