A little of this... A little of that.

Tomorrow is the first day of April and we're finally getting some weather that actually feels like spring. It's refreshing. Our winter was freakishly warm; flowers were blooming, bugs came out, and it seemed like winter this year just wouldn't happen. Once we got to March, however, Mother Nature, who must feel a little discombobulated right now, brought winter upon us with full force. We had a monstrous snow storm and cold rain pretty much every week with random 80 degree days sprinkled in between. Now, finally we've had nice weather for a couple of days (following about a week of ominously cloudy days and heavy rainfall) with temperatures that aren't too cold, but not too hot... staying in the 60's and 70's. I didn't want to write so much about weather actually, but it's just very refreshing, having a positive effect on everyone I've come across, myself included.

Anyway, the new month means a new playlist and I've already started working on it. I've been downloading albums furiously the past couple of days and found some really great stuff that really embodies the warmth and happiness surrounding me (in the weather and my friends). The past week, when it was cold and dreary, I actually started working on it and found myself drawn to mellow, almost somber music like Soap&Skin (an amazingly talented 18 year old Austrian singer songwriter), various IDM and trip-hop (Telefon Tel Aviv <3, múm, Gridlock (thanks Slavick! I <3 it), Mono (UK), and Hooverphonic <3), Aqualung, and Joy Division (who are never ALMOST somber, but most likely the epitome of it). It demonstrated to me very clearly just how much the weather really does effect mood. But once the sun finally pushed its way back through the clouds I couldn't even listen to it anymore and started over. It's not even half way done yet, but I've never been so excited about one of my monthly playlists that I've not only started it before the month started, but I felt the need to write about it before it was finished. Warmth is contagious.

The point of this post was to share with you (the one, sometime 3 of you that actually read my lonely little blog) albums that I've been listening to non stop the past couple days. So, here they are, the albums that I'm loving right now (in no particular order, of course):


Common // Universal Mind Control
In my mind, Common can never do any wrong and I'm so happy that the world finally took notice of him a few years ago. His latest album is upbeat and relevant, perfect for driving around the city. So far, "Gladiator", "Universal Mind Control", and "Punch Drunk Love" are my favorites.


Dragonette // Galore
Super fun, delicious pop dance music from Canada. A crazy mix of Gwen Stefani, Madonna, Fergie, and Scissor Sisters).


Ladyhawke // Ladyhawke
Seemingly named after that crazy Michelle Pfieffer movie where she's running around the forest doing crazy forest woman things, this girl would be the hipster city version of her. This album is pure joy, nothing but dancey electronic indie (indietronic?) music, which of course is my favorite. I love this album.


The Notwist // The Devil, You + Me
This band and album was introduced/given to me by my friend Slavick, who loves music (almost) as much as I do. This album is slower and darker than the other albums I listed here, but I love this one for its beautiful arrangements, extremely effective electronics, great lyrics, and perfect vocals. It's perfect for night driving. This band has been around for a long time - almost 20 years and I've seen the name here and there, but I can't believe I haven't heard them until recently. This is what Radiohead would be without the arrogance and occasionally contrived lyrics. I totally recommend this album.

Ok, so that's all for now... I have a paper due in less than 4 hours that I haven't started yet so this probably wasn't the best time to blog... but what can I say? I work best under pressure... I have to, I'm the master procrastinator.