To wrap up this blog I have created a playlist containing all of the songs that I have recommended throughout my posts. To get a feel for the music in this blog, check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4X7LWMnooXxon8cR2RyAp1

What would anything on the internet be if it wasn’t turned into a clickbaity top 10 List? I guess we will never know. Here are the artists or albums that I have covered in this blog ranked from my least most favorite to my most most favorite (I still love them all).

9. Miracle Musical (Hawaii Part 2)

While this album does a lot of very unique things, it is the kind of music that you have to be “in the mood for”. The album brings a lot to the table, but I feel the song “Dream Sweet in Sea Major” is by far the best on the album, leaving the others in its shadow. Overall, it is something that you should listen to, but this is the one I would be the least surprised to hear that you didn’t like. It is definitely an acquired taste.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1CbtBQqibzdxhmpiLD7vzN

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hawaii-part-ii/938227937

8. Speedin’ Bullet to Heaven

While Kid Cudi will always hold a very special place in my heart, I will be the first one to admit that I did not get the same enjoyment out of this album that I did from his others. That’s not to say that this album has nothing to offer though. Hearing punk rock through the ears of a musical genius who usually dabbles in hip-hop and rap makes for an eye opening experience. If you like Kid Cudi or similar artists, give this album the chance it never got.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6e8pwYKSF9iZjpPep1DVzx

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/speedin-bullet-2-heaven/1061195424

7. Rome

This is a solid album start to finish, but the instrumental songs do drone on a bit too long for my liking. While the quality of music on this album is unmatched by most other albums, the overall sound is very similar from song to song. The songs Norah Jones appears on are some of my favorites, but the rest are a little too reminiscent of elevator music. I’m very glad that this album was made, it is the combination of many talented musicians.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2nBo5nFoszkjuY0bxv1y0A

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rome/710697778

6. Frankie Cosmos

The music of Frankie Cosmos is very near and dear to my heart. The little hooks and tunes are forever burned into my brain. The sweet voice of Greta and the melodious guitar and keys that back it make for some of the my favorite songs. I went through a phase where all I would listen to is Frankie Cosmos, but since then I have made a bad habit of skipping over some of their songs when they come up in my playlist. I will always enjoy the occasional tune, but for now they have fallen out of my lime light.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0x4xCoWaOFd3WsKarzaxnW

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/frankie-cosmos/814450590

5. Florist

I’ve always seen Florist as the younger sister of Frankie Cosmos. Florist’s sound is so relaxing and peaceful. I feel one with water, the air, and the nature around me when I listen to Florist. From the first second that I heard Florist, I have never stopped adding their music to playlists. This is the kind of music that anyone can appreciate.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VIiIxTNLeJOPoMLabwNtr

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/florist/339172339

4. The Districts

It is truly a great shame that The Districts have not gotten more recognition in their many years on Earth. The album “A Flourish and a Spoil” is one of my favorite albums of all time. From start to finish, every single song on this album has impacted me in a very different yet profound way. The level of emotion in their music is unrivaled by almost all the other artists that I listen to. It is impossible to listen to The Districts without feeling something.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HZgaiR960RFqx9d4LPraD

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-districts/414833769

3. Lunar Vacation

I may be a little biased towards Lunar Vacation as I have been following them since their very first song, but I really feel that they are one of the best up-and-coming bands. Lunar Vacation has a very clearly defined sound, the talent, the youth, and the imagination to make great music for the foreseeable future. I would not be surprised to see them on the top of the Indie charts in a few years, so why not be ahead of the game?

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EEefVBNBS3ckwouEl62oB

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/lunar-vacation/1267865561

2. The Slaps

Every time a ‘Slaps’ song comes on, I love it even more. The Slaps are doing something so different, yet so familiar, it is truly an indescribable feeling. The energy that radiates off  of The Slaps is unlike any other artist. Every single song that The Slaps have ever made is truly to me already a classic. Simply put, the fact that everyone doesn’t already love this band is shocking.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4nNxZ9weXMeokvs9ohcmZl

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-slaps/956317835

I feel it would be wrong to compare Nick Drake to any other musician, as he is so clearly different (*cough* better *cough*), that it would be wrong to even put him on any other list. So, here is a list of the greatest musicians of all time who were possibly gods and who’s music transcends time and the human mind:

1. Nick Drake

Just listen to Nick Drake. There are no words I could say that would truly describe the feeling I get from listening to his music. Nick knew something that no one else did, and the music he created is unlike anything that will ever be made again.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5c3GLXai8YOMid29ZEuR9y

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/nick-drake/1285818

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I guess that’s a wrap on this blog. Hi to my mom and girlfriend, they are the only two who read this thing anyway. If you are a stranger, I hope that you will come to love at least one of the bands that I covered. Music has a special power, one that I want to share with everyone I meet.

So long, anyone

 

 

 

 

 

This post will be a little different than the ones that have come before it. Instead of focusing on a specific artist or album, I wanted to share the random pieces of music I have collected that give me a feeling of frisson. Frisson is an indescribable rush of longing and excitement, something along the lines of goosebumps. Here are some songs that capture what makes music so special:

Moby’s “Porcelain” was released in 1999, and is a sample of a classic work played in reverse. Along with the reversed strings, the song features a shaggy beat and some tappy keys. The shadowy voice mixed with the grainy message fit the music well. The song takes an upswing at 1:50 results in what I call frisson.

 

I don’t need to tell you again how much Nick Drake’s music means to me. “Time of No Reply” is one of Nick’s oldest songs, but the orchestral version was not released until 2004, a full 30 years after his death. The fact that this song has been discovered and released so many years later, makes it that much more special. At 1:03, the chorus builds and has a dissonant yet peaceful resolution that hits me in just the right way.

This one won’t need much explaining after you hear BØRNS’S voice. BØRNS has one of the highest singing voices you will ever hear from a male singer, a trait that makes for a very emotional and dreamlike sound. While usually BØRNS is a pop singer, when he paired his angelic voice with the orchestra of strings, something beautiful happened. While the whole song gave me goosebumps, 3:50 is especially Frissiony.

Ignore the cover art and words in this song, but this is the only version I could find on the internet. Bittersweet Symphony is sampled on this track, a very melodious and orchestral song mixed with the flow of Kanye West and Nas made for something very interesting. I heard this song seven years ago, and it has stuck with me ever since then. Right around 2:26 is when the hidden genius of this song reveals itself. A theme of these songs is a combination of sounds that runs counter to the norm.

“Heaven at Nite” is the concluding track on Kid Cudi’s debut mixtape “A Kid Named Cudi”. The sheer number of sounds in this song is what makes it so special. There are some subtle and some less subtle buzzing and synthy tones that seem to walk and back forth through the song. The opening of this song always hits me, it feels like Kid Cudi is whispering right to me, somehow different that a normal listening.

Another strange combination of sounds brings us to our last stop in the Frisson train. Lindsey Stirling’s Crystallize is violin paired with dubstep, usually a style of music that I am not a fan of. However, that pairing of classical and computerized music makes for a truly new and exciting feeling. Around 1:07 is where the song reaches its climax and evokes its strongest feelings.

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I don’t know if the feeling of Frisson that I get from this songs is deeply personal or universal, so I hope that these songs did the same thing for you as they have for me. If not, at the very least I hope I have given you a chance to reflect on the songs that give you the strongest feelings of happiness.

(Listen While you Read!)

Scott Mescudi, better known by his artist name Kid Cudi, is an influential member of the rap and hip-hop community. It may seem strange that I am covering music created by such a legend, but when Kid Cudi released “Speedin Bullet 2 Heaven” in 2015, the album was not received well by the community, or even by his own fans. However, this album contains all the elements that made his previous work so great.

Kid Cudi released the monumental “Man on the Moon” albums in 2009 and 2010. These two albums threw Scott onto the center stage of the music world, leading to collaborations with Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott, and many other of hip-hop and raps most famous artists. Unfortunately for Scott, this style of music would lock him into a box, as his the music community would hold all his future creations up to these albums for comparison.

Kid Cudi’s evolution as a man and as an artist along with his struggles with mental illness led him to experiment with his sound and his expression through music. Originally a melodious rapper, known for his smooth rhymes and humming, Scott embraced a grunge rock attitude for the album “Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven”. While the community did not embrace this album because it was different, it is a work of art that deserves to be given a chance.

(Speedin’ Bullet to Heaven Cover Art)

While Kid Cudi is known for his ability to craft a melody and create “bars”, those skills translate well onto this more instrument heavy album. The classic Kid Cudi sound is not lost on “Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven”, it has just transformed or evolved into something new. This album strips back the curtain into the inner workings of Kid Cudi’s mind and makes an expression rooted in raw emotion and experience.

Another transition that Kid Cudi makes is the message of his music, shifting from a more upbeat tone to more dark and serious tales. Scott tells of his own search for acceptance, his battles with depression, and his outlook on life. While these messages may be hard for some people to digest or relate to, if you are able to they can lead to some of the most intimate experiences possible with music.

The first concert that I ever attended was in 2016. I was seeing my favorite artist of all time (at the time) soon after the release of this album. Kid Cudi ran out on stage to “Man In The Night”, making for one of the most life changing experiences I have had with music. Kid Cudi went on to perform CONFUSED! on acoustic guitar, which has become one of my favorite songs, making for an incredible concert and debut of this album.

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With a monster 26 songs on this album, choosing a top three was difficult. I have had a personal connection with almost every song on this album, but here are the ones that make me feel the most strongly:

1. CONFUSED!

The second song on this album throws Kid Cudi’s struggles right into the ring of fire. “CONFUSED!” features electric guitar, bass guitar, and drums, much different than what the fans may be expecting. The acoustic version above truly shows off the musical power that Scott is capable of creating with just his voice and a guitar.

2. Handle With Care

This purely acoustic song features some of that ‘to die for’ Cudi humming. Scott describes himself as a delicate creature in need of help, desperately pleading for stability. I wish more hip-hop artists would make acoustic music, as the results have been some of the most beautiful songs that are out there.

3. Worth

Scott really lets out some anger on this track, and it shows. Whoever hurt him, he is not going to let them forget about it with this song. “Worth” could compete with any grunge rock song that you show me. Despite this song being chaotic at times, you can steal hear the Kid Cudi sound running underneath.

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Here are some artists that go well with Kid Cudi, specifically with this album:

Nirvana: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6olE6TJLqED3rqDCT0FyPh

WZRD: https://open.spotify.com/artist/415rtLOb1FDKZAxo1IJ1hW

A$AP Rocky: https://open.spotify.com/artist/13ubrt8QOOCPljQ2FL1Kca

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Kid Cudi’s “Speedin Bullet 2 Heaven” deserves a chance, are you going to give it one?

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6e8pwYKSF9iZjpPep1DVzx

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/speedin-bullet-2-heaven/1061195424

 

(Listen While you Read!)

Frankie Cosmos is led by vocalist and guitarist Greta Kline, and backed by Lauren Martin on the keys, Alex Bailey on the Bass, and Luke Pyenson on the drums. The band released their first album “Zentropy” in 2014, a collection of 10 short and and melodious songs. The band released a synthy techno EP in 2015, showing off a groovy space sound unlike what they had made or will come to make, a strange sidestep in the band’s history.

In 2016, the band returned to their snappy melodious sound with the release of their second album “Next Thing”. The latest release “Vessel” in 2018 came with a massive 18 tracks, but a mere 34 minute run-time. This album continued with the themes of short blips of heavy melody, but upped the game in terms of sound and production.

At the time of this post, Frankie Cosmos has 671,614 monthly listeners on Spotify, likely the most popular band I will cover on this blog. The band’s most popular song “Young” has just a touch over 17 million listens, with many more of their songs cracking the million mark. Despite the band’s success, I still feel they are doing something different, something that deserves more recognition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Taken from NPR interview)

The thing that sets Frankie Cosmos apart from other artists is their ability to create very short and simplistic tunes that are soft and catchy. Many of the songs released by the group are less than two minutes long, but it doesn’t feel cheap or out of place. The smaller bite-sized songs are perfect for getting stuck in your head, the kind of thing that you find yourself humming throughout the day.

Greta’s soft and high pitched voice fits with the sound of the band perfectly. Her ability to turn just a few words into a chorus by making each one into a melody of its own is what makes the songs work so well. Everyone who hears Frankie Cosmos appreciates that the band doesn’t force anything, they take what comes to them and just makes something great out of it. No B.S.

I saw Frankie Cosmos in 2018 at Lincoln Hall in Chicago, and the live music was almost identical to the recordings. The use of raw instruments allows for the band to maintain their sound no matter where they are playing and what they have available. The more acoustic “bedroom” sound is just another unique thing to live about Frankie Cosmos.

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With about 100 songs to choose from, picking a top three was difficult. But as always, there are a few that have a special place in my musical charts:

1. Duet

This song is nearly five years old, but wasn’t officially released until 2018. This sugary and dreamlike song is a perfect demonstration of all the things that make Frankie Cosmos so great. So simple yet so deep and moving.

2. Too Dark

Greta shows off her ability to sing like a chirping bird on “Too Dark”, hitting notes that don’t seem available to anyone else. This song uses silence as well as it uses sound, stopping and starting in the first half with a smoother second half that expands on what was said in the beginning.

3. I’m 20

Not only is this just true, but it’s a good song too. The tune features some of that classic Greta harmony, turning one word into an entire chorus. Frankie Cosmos has mastered melody and harmony, and not much else is needed when you have those skills.

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Here are some other artists that hit on some of the same things that make Frankie Cosmos so great:

Florist: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VIiIxTNLeJOPoMLabwNtr

The Japanese House: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3IunaFjvNKj98JW89JYv9u

Karen O: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6emHCSoB4tJxTVXakbrpPz

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If you finally want a good song stuck in your head, listen to Frankie Cosmos:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0x4xCoWaOFd3WsKarzaxnW

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/frankie-cosmos/814450590

 

(Listen while you read!)

This post, similar to the last one, will focus on a single album. “Hawaii: Part II” was released by the band Musical Miracle in 2012. This album was produced by Joe Hawley,  a former member of the band Tally Hall. This album features the work of many of Tally Hall’s former members, but was the main working of Hawley.

Very little information is available about the creation of this album. The album simply appeared one day, and went relatively unnoticed. The songs are very different than anything I have ever heard before, featuring a track in Japanese and a song that sounds like it’s being played backwards. This album has many unique elements that would take years to dissect.

At the time of this post, Miracle Musical has 82,459 monthly listeners on Spotify, and their most popular song “Dream Sweet in Sea Major” has just under 2 million listens. While the album may be unique to a fault, once you get past the off-putting nature of some of the songs, you begin to see the genius.

While this album at times feels chaotic, there is a surprisingly high quality of writing and arrangement. This album features many melody heavy piano parts, often accompanied by strings. The songs on this album also often use human harmony to achieve a dream like feeling. The list of accompanying sounds are endless, but are used tastefully and add to the overall theme of the album.

This album breaks down the ideas of traditional genre with a blend of classical, a 1920’s vinyl feel, Japanese and Italian motifs, all mixed with modern tastes. If I were to guess, I would assume that this album was made for a musical, but I have yet to find one that it corresponds to. Everything about this album is a mystery, but that is no reason to forget about it.

The messages on this album are often hard to decode, but the sound and texture alone puts the listener into the kind of world where it all makes sense. Whenever I listen to this album, I imagine myself on a spaceship cruise around the universe visiting planets much different than Earth. Drifting out towards something exciting, scary, and incredible at the same time.

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Here are my top three favorite songs, if you can call them songs, from Miracle Musical’s “Hawaii: Part II”:

1. Dream Sweet in Sea Major

The final song on this album takes you out to the edge of the universe, paddling a rowboat through endless seas of nothingness. The use of piano, stings, and harmony throughout this song are delightful. The tone and tempo change many times throughout the song, telling a multistage story in just a single track.

2. Black Rainbows

This deep and heavy track always makes me think of the Easter Island heads singing a tune. The sharp contrast of the woman singing combined with the low harmony, along with the xylophone and electric synths give this song a tropical or Caribbean feel.

3. The Mind Electric

WARNING: THIS SONG WILL SEND YOU INTO A SUPERNATURAL TRANCE!!! Just kidding, but it does sound like it’s played backwards, which you might think would just be nonsense, but it sounds surprisingly coherent. The second half of this song switches the flow of time back to forward, and has the feeling of an ambient dream like state, like your brain is flipping from channel to channel on the radio.

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Here is some music that is in the same realm of “Hawaii: Part II”

Tally Hall: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7lqaPghwYv2mE9baz5XQmL

Rome: https://open.spotify.com/album/2nBo5nFoszkjuY0bxv1y0A

Drugdealer: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0tMnuEXTeJeHbslcV8OybJ

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For a truly unique experience and a whole new feeling about music, listen to Hawaii: Part II

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1CbtBQqibzdxhmpiLD7vzN

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/hawaii-part-ii/938227937

 

 

(Listen while you read!)

Instead of focusing on an artist, this post will discuss the album “Rome” that resulted from the collaboration of many artists. Brian Burton, otherwise known as Danger Mouse, paired up with Daniele Luppi to produce this album. The pair enlisted the lyrical workings of Norah Jones and Jack White on a few of the tracks, but this is a majority instrumental work.

The album “Rome” was released back in 2011, but I didn’t happen upon it until 2017. This album draws on themes from Italian scores of the 1960’s, while at the same time upping the game with electronic synths and tones. The sheer number of instruments used on this album is astounding, but the production and arrangement value is off the charts.

At the time of this post, most of the songs on Rome have roughly 2 Million listens on Spotify, and the most popular song “Two Against One” has just over 9 Million listens. While this may seem like a large number of listens, when you factor in the star power on this album, those numbers are relatively low. The combined number of monthly listeners for these artists is well over 6 Million, making these numbers look underwhelming.

The songs on this album have a very distant and mysterious tone. Often the songs have one repeating theme that is given strings, singing, and extra effects as the song develops. The story that is conveyed in these songs is often one of defeat or struggle in a dark or twisted world.

Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi have done an incredible job arranging and producing this album. The quality of sound on “Rome” is better than I’ve heard anywhere else. The choices to use Norah Jones and Jack White were also excellent, as their voices and style of singing fit with the overall theme of the album very nicely.

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My favorite songs on this album feature Norah Jones, as her voice fits with the music so well. Here are my top three picks from the album “Rome”:

1. Black

This song uses bells, guitar, drums, synths, bass, strings, and some other minor instruments. All these instruments and Norah’s voice come together to make a very strong and complex sound. The message of a world that has gone dark fits well with the overall sound of mystery and sadness on this track.

2. Season’s Trees

This slow and melodious song drones along with a wicked baseline over the strings. Again, Norah’s voice fits the dark tones of this song, giving the listener a feeling of despair while surrounded by beauty.

3. Theme of “Rome”

This title track on the album is an instrumental preview for what is to come. The song opens with a quiet drum line that is accompanied by the occasional strum of an acoustic guitar. The song is then filled in with what I can only describe as shrieks of harmonious horror, and a wave of violins.

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Instead of linking to music that pairs well with this album, I figured that if you enjoyed these songs you would likely enjoy the other music these artists have created:

Danger Mouse: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dBj3prW7gP9bCCOIQeDUf

Daniele Luppi: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TY8JzETLheB4vm5QblKsF

Norah Jones: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Kx7MNY7cI1ENniW7vT30N

Jack White: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4FZ3j1oH43e7cukCALsCwf

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Go listen to “Rome” if you want to hear something a little different:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2nBo5nFoszkjuY0bxv1y0A

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rome/710697778

(Listen while you read!)

Lead vocalist and guitarist Rob Grote has been at the forefront of The Districts since its humble beginnings in 2009. The surrounding cast saw some turbulence but has found stability with Pat Cassidy on guitar, Connor Jacobus on bass, and Braden Lawrence on drums.

The Districts’ first full length album “Telephone” was released in 2013. The band found a heavier sound with their next album “A Flourish and a Spoil” released in 2015. This trend towards grunge continued onto their newest album “Popular Manipulations” released in 2017. The band continues to play with their sound and evolve into their fullest form.

At the time of this post The Districts have 194,292 monthly listeners on Spotify, and their most popular song “Funeral Beds” has 6,136,951 listens. Many bands seem to hit a wall at around 200,000 monthly listeners, but I don’t see why The Districts didn’t burst through this wall a long time ago. They have a unique and graceful sound that any rock-n-roll fan can appreciate.

I was lucky enough to meet Pat and Braden at a show they played with Hippo Campus in 2018.

The Districts are an interesting combination of rock, folk, and a hint of a few other sounds. The best way I can describe The Districts’ sound is Rob shout-singing over some form of music. Sometimes its acoustic, sometimes its electric. Whatever they are doing, they are doing something right.

I think what really makes The Districts’ music so special is the stories that their songs tell. They have found a way to wrap a powerful message into passionate music. The Districts tell of the monotony of mainstream society, the raw feelings of love and longing, and many other moving messages.

Like many other popular singers of this genre, Rob has a way of singing in cursive. He uses words in a way that no normal person would ever think to, sounding good on face value and for their meaning. Being unique is definitely one of The Districts’ strongest attributes, along with provoking strong emotions and putting on a good live show.

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I painfully have to admit that I am biased towards the earlier work of The Districts. While I enjoy the new music they are producing, my favorites will all come from “A Flourish and a Spoil”.

1. Sing the Song

“Sing the Song” flips between soothing and electric overdrive at the snap of a finger. The stop and start nature of this song has always caught my attention and held it. Once they bring you in they tell you a sob story. The song ends with a dark but upbeat outro that flows into a jazzy finish.

2. Young Blood

This almost nine minute beast is truly a roller coaster. The almost grainy or faded sound pairs nicely with the story of fading out of reality. The song goes quiet for a bit, jams out, and then lets you know making it in the real world is a long journey.

3. Peaches

“Peaches” takes you to a dark world, one where I imagine its raining ash. Despite the twisted themes, there is some glimmer of hope that shines through. The Districts have a strange way of combining the good with the bad, the hopeless with the hopeful.

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Here are some artists that I think go well with The Districts:

Hippo Campus: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1btWGBz4Uu1HozTwb2Lm8A

TV Girl: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Y6dVaC9DZtPNH4591M42W

Twin Peaks: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1xD85sp0kecIVuMwUHShxs

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The Districts probably aren’t for everyone, but not everyone is a bad ass. The choice is yours:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3HZgaiR960RFqx9d4LPraD

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/the-districts/414833769

 

(Listen while you read!)

Lead vocalist and guitarist Emily Sprague is the life blood of the band Florist. Her surrounding cast of the Jonnie Baker, Rick Spataro, and Felix Walworth help create the ambient naturey sound that is so synonymous with the band.

Florist released their first E.P. “Holdly” in 2015. This debut introduces the listener to the themes of nature and memories, themes that persist through the entirety of the band’s releases. In 2016 the band released their first full length album titled, “The Birds Outside Sang”. This album experimented with more abstract sounds, tying loose ends together in a magical way.

The latest release from Florist came in 2017 with another full length album titled, “If Blue Could Be Happiness”. This soothing and melodious album combines all the things I love about this band’s sound.

At the time of this post, Florist has 189,591 monthly listeners on Spotify, and their most popular song “Vacation” has 3,911,868 listens. While the band is having decent success, especially with the recognition of their song “Vacation”, I think they have stuck gold with a smooth and peaceful sound that can appeal to anyone.

Florist uses a wide range of sounds and instruments in their music. They have traditional guitars, drums, and keys, but they also have a wide range of synths, effects, and other ambient sounds. The use of these overarching tones give the listener a feeling of floating on a cloud.

Emily’s sweet and soft voice fits the band’s sound perfectly. Whether the song is acoustic, loaded with effects, or simply abstract, her voice is always a comforting presence. She tells of her love for nature, her longing for the happiness brought about by memories, and the struggle we all have to figure out what the purpose of being alive is.

I was lucky enough to see Florist open for Frankie Cosmos in 2018. At the time I had never heard of the band, but after seeing them live I began to look into their music. It is always shocking to think that I went years without finding this music that I now love, and how many more bands there must be that I’m missing out on right now.

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The more I listen to Florist the more I change my mind about what songs are my favorite. As of today, here are my top three picks:

1. Glowing Brightly

This tune has a very particular sound that uses many effects and synths. It takes me to a world with soft and faded colors, a place that is simple and comfortable. One might call it heaven.

2. Cool and Refreshing

This song makes me cycle through all my memories of childhood. Back when every moment made sense, when I didn’t question happiness. This song is like jumping in a cold pool on a hot summer day.

3. Red Bird

This song is recorded on an acoustic guitar, giving it an automatic bonus in my favorites list. This song is a balance of soothing and stressful. The tune coddles you, but the story makes you long for something more.

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Here are some artists that I believe go well with Florist’s soft and melodious sound:

Frankie Cosmos: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0x4xCoWaOFd3WsKarzaxnW

Crumb: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4kSGbjWGxTchKpIxXPJv0B

Karen O: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6emHCSoB4tJxTVXakbrpPz

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If you want to be lulled into a dream, go listen to Florist:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VIiIxTNLeJOPoMLabwNtr

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/florist/339172339

 

 

After the underwhelming acceptance of his first two albums, Nick was drawn further into isolation and depression. He decided that he was better off without the production aspect of recording, and made his next album with just his guitar and his voice. “Pink Moon” was released on February 25th, 1972.

When all the strings, horns, and extra layers of his music are removed you really get to see what Nick is capable of. He continued to use odd tunings, new chord shapes, and tricky picking patterns. Nick was such a recluse and mystery that we don’t even know for sure what kind of guitar he played. There have been educated guesses about some model and string types, but trying to copy his tone is not an easy task.

In 2007, a collection of home recordings was released. This collection included Nick’s covers of songs, some originals, some sketches, and some guest appearances from his mother and sister. These recording mostly come from 1968 or earlier, before any of his studio albums were released. Nick’s final album “Pink Moon” seems to return him to his purist roots that can be found on his early home recordings.

The people who knew Nick during his short life regarded him highly. When Nick played he did not make mistakes. He would play a song start to finish without missing a note, no buzzing stings, no late entries. The reason for Nick’s lack of success can only due to being too far ahead of his time. I feel that Nick’s music transcends time. It will always be the peak of musical achievement and the farther we go into the future, the more people will come to realize.

“Pink Moon” could very well be my favorite album of all time. With the long list of home recordings, picking my three favorite was difficult. As of today, here are my top three picks:

1: Place To Be:

This song is played in one of Nick’s favorite odd tunings. Nick embodied a shaded and mellow spirit on this album, and this is on full display on “Place To Be”. Nick describes his struggle to find acceptance, a theme that persisted throughout his life.

2: Bird Flew By:

Coming from the collection of home recordings, this song is smooth and silky. One verse flows to the next, and despite being recorded on primitive technology the song is of incredible quality. “Bird Flew By” ponders the deepest question: What is the point of the year or a season?

Honorable Mention: Sketch 1/Far Leys

Another very short instrumental tune, Sketch 1 is perhaps the most comforting yet distant tune Nick produced. This is the only song nick recorded on the mystical DADGAD tuning, but of course he created a work of art.

3: Come Into The Garden:

This home recording is absolutely haunting, a true look into the soul of Nick Drake. The dark and faint melody combined with the twisted story set out by the lyrics make for a rather off-putting experience. Only Nick could find a way to combine such beauty and sadness.

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Not listening to Nick Drake would be the biggest mistake of your life:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5c3GLXai8YOMid29ZEuR9y

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/nick-drake/1285818