End of 2014 Playlist Therapy

To ring in the end of the year, I knew I had to do at least one more playlist of my personal picks. I've been falling down on the job, and seemed to have missed November all together! So aside from all of the holiday music I've been listening to during these last two months, here are some songs I've rockin' out to lately:

Playlist

End of 2014 Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 1/ Blank Space by Tyler Ward

I might be the only person who didn't think Taylor Swift was singing about Starbucks, but even I can't deny how (like Starbucks) addicting this song is. Unfortunately Taylor decided to remove her music from Spotify, which means we are left with many awesome covers of her new album! This is a more mellow, acoustic version and he has such a nice voice. The only downside is that he chose to leave out the bridge, which happens to be my favorite lyric from the song: "Boys only want love if it's torture..." 

And just in case you haven't gotten your fix of Taylor Swift covers, please check out this awesome mash up of Blank Space//Style by Louisa Wendorff: http://youtu.be/7m3o5LuFKxg

- Track 8/ Every Breaking Wave (from Acoustic Sessions) by U2

Although hugely unappreciated by my generation, Bono is probably one of the best vocalists around and he is still killin' it! This acoustic version is better than the original and is a perfect example of his singing chops. This version lets his voice shine and is more intimate and emotional than the fully jnstrumentated version.

- Track 14/ Don't Go Home Without Me by Lights

I don't know where I found Lights, but it was probably around the time I became obsessed with Ellie Goulding as well. She's got hip beats and charming melodies and I was excited to find that she has a new album out. I've included my two favorite songs from her new album on this playlist.

Thanks for listening (literally)!

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A Merry Modern xMas

I've already created a vintage playlist of classic Christmas carols, which you can find here. I grew up listening to those versions of favorite holiday songs, and every year my family pulls out the old records when we get together to decorate the tree. My favorites are Nat King Cole's Christmas Album and Willie Nelson's Pretty Paper. That being said, I have always been a little skeptical when it came to modern versions of my favorite christmas songs. I am picky, and have picked out my favorites just in case you needed MORE holiday music!

Playlist

A Merry Modern xMas

Highlights

- Track 1/ Baby It's Cold Outside by She & Him

One of my favorite holiday movies is Elf, and I love the way Zooey Deschanel sings it in the movie and in this updated rendition with M. Ward. Although this song is a little questionable to my feminist ears, I love the fact that she is singing the traditionally devious man's part while her She & Him counterpart sings the coy female part. Also I wish I could whistle like her. You go, Zooey! 

- Track 8/ It Snowed by Meaghan Smith

Here's a new song that sounds like it could be a jazz standard, and Meaghan Smith sings it sweetly with an easy swing. As a native Los Angeleno, I love songs and movies about snowy settings (White Christmas!) and will always regard snowfall as magical and exciting. 

- Track 10/ Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Sam Smith

This is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs, and in my honest opinion, I don't think anything can top Judy Garland's original version in Meet Me in St. Louis. So when it comes to versions of this song, I am very particular and critical. I love Sam Smith's version for it's simplicity: he's added his own style and vocal runs, but it is just his voice and light piano accompaniment. Can you tell I'm obsessed with this song? I've also included Johnnyswim's version, which is a more upbeat and light-hearted alternative. 

Thanks for listening (merrily)!

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Home for the Holidays

I've teamed up again with Shana Mattheis of Roots Revival Co.! The latest one is Home for the Holidays and in the spirit of the upcoming Christmas holiday, this playlist features favorite holiday classics that are sure to warm your heart better than eggnog! You can find it on Her Blog or if you follow me on Spotify.

Stay tuned for more playlists this month!

What I'm Thankful for This Thanksgiving

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving, and all the wonderful things in our life: including family and (sometimes silly) traditions. In my house, my brother and sister don't come home anymore, but we still take out George and Martha. These personified decorative squashes have become metaphorical stand-in's for my siblings, who now cook their own thanksgiving dinners in their respective parts of the world. This year in addition to the usual family dinner festivities, I'm celebrating with my work family (since psych hospitals never close...). I am thankful for my multiple families: work, friends, and biological family and I am extremely lucky to have such wonderful people in my life! Here's an extra special shout out to those that have supported me through the years- YOU!

I had Roots Revival Co. in mind when making this playlist, and it includes some of the things I am most thankful for! I know what they say about apple pie, but what's more American than country music and turkey on Thanksgiving?!

Playlist

What I'm Thankful For

Highlights

- Track 2/ You've Got a Friend by Carole King

Although this song alludes to appreciating my family of choice, I actually associate it with my mother. I grew up cleaning the house on sunday afternoons singing along to Carole King's Tapestry. I Feel the Earth Move would come on and we would stomp and clean along. I've used You've Got a Friend for many a music therapy session, and I've always loved the bridge. Such a lovely example of how good of a songwriter Carole King is. 

- Track 6/ The House that Built Me by Miranda Lambert

Oh my gosh I love this song- it's beautiful, simple, and emotional. The House that Built Me perfectly captures that desire to return to your past: you can return to the physical place, but it doesn't ever feel quite the same and there's a sort of discomfort that you don't really fit in the same way you used to. Honestly, Miranda Lambert isn't usually my favorite, but she did a fantastic job with this song. 

- Track 15/ My Own Kind of Life by Katie Herzig

Quirky and bubbling, this song by Katie Herzig represents the pride I have in living independently as a young adult. Welp, almost- I might still drive a car my parents own, but I like to think I'm plodding forward into creating a life for myself!

Thanks for listening (thankfully)!

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Your Darkest Fears

I've teamed up again with Shana Mattheis of Roots Revival Co. to bring you a spooky playlist just in time for Halloween! Instead of your traditional Halloween classics like I Put a Spell on You or Monster Mash, I have compiled an alternative playlist that might evoke your worst fears! (Hopefully it just puts you in a festive mood!) Check out my playlist on her website and make sure to follow her on Facebook!

Also if you're feeling up for more alternative Halloween-inspired music, check out Nylon Magazine's Ultimate Alternative Halloween Playlist- you won't regret it! (Listen to their playlist on Spotify) 

Playlist

Your Darkest Fears

Highlights

- Track 4/ Gravedigger by Dave Matthews

Probably one of my favorite songs by Dave Matthews, the verses read like the obituary page in the newspaper but his chorus seems to be pleading for life. Living to be 103 years old still seems like forever to me. 

- Track 8/ The Dark I Know Well by Spring Awakening Cast

A little bit dark and serious material for a whimsical Halloween playlist, but often the worst suffering leads to the best music. If you're not a music theater nerd, this song comes from Spring Awakening, which is set in 19th century Germany and deals with a group of adolescents discovering sexuality, including the dark side: rape, child abuse, abortion, and even suicide. I think this might be the scariest song on my list.

- Track 12/ Superstition by Stevie Wonder

Ahh.... Stevie Wonder. And those synthesizers. Make for the perfectly funky track that is a necessity on any Halloween playlist. 

Thanks for listening (fearfully)!

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What I'm Listening to This Month: October 2014

Some new music for those of us who are last-minute costume shopping! Yes, I know. It's so hard to put down your PSL, but maybe you need a break from pumpkin-eveything and candy corn. Here is my latest for you:

Playlist

October Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 1/ Beggin' for Thread by Banks

Banks seems to be blowing up all of a sudden, and I can see why. She's got sick beats, just the right amount of rasp in her voice, and intriguing lyrics. Even if you aren't the type of girl (or guy!) that speaks your mind without considering the consequences, I think most of us can relate to having some jagged edges that we like to show off once in a while. My favorite lyric is: "my words can come out as a pistol, I'm no good at aiming, but I can aim it at you".

- Track 14/ Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon

If you're looking for an alt-rock dance anthem, I've got a good one for you! Walk the Moon's latest single is energizing and endearing. It's nostalgic--or should be--reminding us of how awkward high school dances could be, but also how much fun they could be if you were lucky enough to go with the right person. This song is perfect for those magical movie moments where the main characters realize they were right for each other all along, and they happen to celebrate by dancing like no one's watching. 

- Track 16/ Love Me Harder by Ariana Grande feat. The Weeknd

I can't stop listening to Ariana Grande's new album, My Everything. I seriously. cannot. stop. I will admit that I had a hard time narrowing down the selections to only 2 tracks to add to this playlist (see One Last Time- Track 8). While I do agree that she obviously listened to a lot of Mariah Carey growing up, I think that Ariana Grande is a talented singer in her own right and whoever helped her on this album is a genius. Love Me Harder is insanely catchy and The Weeknd lends his pleading falsetto to this melodic love affair. 

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Too Many Numbers

So I'm taking this online Statistics course at LACC...  While numbers and math class have never been my favorite thing, I was inspired to find some numerical songs to keep me motivated in my studies. I think it worked, because I'm proud to say I got a 94 on my first test (#notsohumblebrag)!

Playlist

Too Many Numbers

Highlights

- Track 2/ Eight of Nine by the Ataris

The Ataris remind me of middle school, where we would sit in the hallway of the old gym on hot P.E. days and play B.S. We used to yelp "Popcorn!" when we had lied about the cards we put down. This was my favorite song on their album, and I always thought it was so emotional- at least I know that I was definitely emotional, hormones raging and all.

- Track 4/ 5/6 by Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz is one of my favorite male vocalists of all time. I went to see him perform at the Walt Disney Concert Hall when I was in high school, and could probably still sing along impeccably to every word of his early album, Waiting for My Rocket to Come. He's got this hippy dippy happy-go-lucky vibe lately, but I'm just glad he's gone back to acoustic roots. This song is off of one of his more recent albums, and has a little bit of that psychedelic influence. A nice one to take a break with from all those fractions.

- Track 13/ Square One by Tom Petty

Square One was written for the soundtrack of Elizabethtown, which is probably one of my favorite movie soundtracks. It is a good representation of the movie: the sentimental feelings associated with an oddball love story, the theme of starting new, and the folksy drifting vibe of the main character played by Orlando Bloom (I'll admit, I even think he's cute in this movie).

Thanks for listening (numerically)!

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What I'm Listening to This Month: August & September 2014

This month's post is a two-for-one deal! (That's just a sneaky way for me to tell you I messed up and wasn't able to complete my usual quota.) Who knew blogging could be so hard? #firstworldproblems

Let's just say that I ran out of time because I was still stuck watching Queen Bey's VMA performance, waiting patiently for her to sing XO. Yeah, it was the last song and it took way too long to get there. I know I'm a hater, but here's what I'm loving this bi-month:

Playlist

Augtember Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 5/ Back to the Shack by Weezer

This is the sound that Weezer is known for: the new single off of their new album is a throwback to their alt-rock roots and it makes you feel like you've always been there with them. 

- Track 9/Budapest by George Ezra

This song reminds me a little bit of Rusted Root's Send Me On My Way, and I could see it fitting into the Matilda soundtrack comfortably. George Ezra's warm and  bluesy voice has just enough rasp and the tambourine and hand claps make this one feel so good.

- Track 17/ Bang Bang by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, & Nicki Minaj

I am continuously impressed with Jessie J every time I hear a new song she puts out. She's got chops, and I was worried that Ariana Grande wasn't going to be able to compete with such a big voice. Ariana stood up to the challenge, but Bang Bang really highlights Jessie J's abilities. My favorite part about this song is that it's fun and also exciting to see three powerful women in the industry on one track.

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Making Waves

As summer comes to an end, I always find my biggest regret is not spending enough time at the beach. I'm a California beach girl, and was raised swimming in the ocean. My favorite thing is to swim out past where the waves break and float in the calm swells, and this is what has inspired my latest playlist. So here's a little playlist for the winding down of summer beach days and the peace I find when surrounded by ocean water. 

Playlist

Making Waves

Highlights

- Track 2/ Something in the Water by Brooke Fraser

This song represents the excitement of summer to me: a toe-tapping beat and breathy vocals w/ backup choir. She sings about drinking wine, falling in love, and days in the sun and her Do-Do-Do's are positively infectious! Also she's from New Zealand, so that's pretty cool.

- Track 9/ Mountain and the Sea by Ingrid Michaelson

I could probably listen to Ingrid Michaelson any time of year- and definitely have! I'm a huge fan of hers, and although I'm usually drawn to her quieter melancholy songs, she's also got a handful of upbeat tunes that you just can't get out of your head. She draws you in with catchy harmonies and earnest lyrics, and this song is no different. 

- Track 16/ Sea of Love by Cat Power

This song has been covered by many artists over the years, but its original form is 1959 doo wop ballad by Phil Phillips. I didn't even realize it was a cover until one of my adolescent patients chose to sing the original version during a karaoke group. (Needless to say, this patient is a kid after my own heart and has impeccable taste in music.) This cover by Cat Power was apparently used in the movie Juno, which is now coming back to me. The accompaniment reminds me of an autoharp, which obviously sparked the Music Therapist in me. 

Thanks for listening (wavily)!

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Dog Days of Summer

I've teamed up again with Shana Mattheis of Roots Revival Co.! I will be making a special playlist for her blog each month. The latest one is Dog Days of Summer, inspired by the hot, sultry days of summer between July and September. You can find it on Her Blog or if you follow me on Spotify.

Stay tuned for more playlists this month!

What I'm Listening to This Month: July 2014

Where did July go? I have not been to the beach nearly enough times for how far we are into summer... although I probably won't be heading to Venice Beach anytime soon. Here's to hoping the only thing electrifying in your life right now is love or music! I've got some laid back beats and empowered female singers for you this month:

Playlist

July Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 2/ Stolen Dance by Milky Chance

This song has me rocking out in my car everytime I catch it on the radio- I can't help but roll the windows down, blast the volume and sway along to Milky Chance's muted vocals. It's like the awkward teenage white girl in me resurfaces, and I'm transported back to goofy dance parties in my bedroom when none of us quite knew how to dance. 

- Track 4/ All About that Bass by Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor wrote us a summer anthem to bring booty back! This gorgeous singer-songwriter's retro-inspired song celebrates bodies of all shapes and sizes- the perfect jam for a little pick me up amidst the stress of bikini season.

- Track 17/ Girl in a Country Song by Maddie & Tae

This is my new favorite country song, the way I like them: with a feminist twist. These young girls have addressed in a song, much of what I dislike about country music: the role of women in many popular songs today. I dunno about you, but this song drives me "redneck crazy"- in a good way!

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

Roots in Independence

This month I've teamed up with Shana Mattheis of Roots Revival Co. to bring you an Independence Day playlist! I met Shana about six months ago at a craft fair where I was playing a gig with my dad, and we connected through our mutual love of folk music. Her company Roots Revival Co. is rooted (ha!) in craftsmanship and inspired by the resurgence and renewal of the folk music tradition. Her store features beautiful handmade items, from delicious lip balms to my personal favorite: lyric-stamped copper jewelry. She asked me to create her a playlist this month featuring songs about freedom, free spirits, and a little patriotism-- and I can't think of a better way to celebrate our country's birthday!

Playlist

Roots in Independence

Highlights

- Track 1/ Live While Were Young by Johnnyswim

My new favorite duo, and previously featured in a past post/playlist- this song is about living life to the fullest and the adventurous spirit the comes with youth. 

- Track 10/ I Feel the Blues Movin' In by Harris, Ronstadt, & Parton

Three of the most important American folk singer/songwriters: Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and Dolly Parton teamed up on this track about love slipping away. Although not particularly about freedom, this song is the 'Blue' to my set of 'Red, White, & Blue' songs on the list.

- Track 13/ Stars by Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

Grace Potter is a voice to be reckoned with, and this is probably one of my favorite songs by her. Not originally intended as any kind of patriotic song, Stars is an emotional song about losing someone dear to you. I would like to dedicate it to the brave men and women who fought for our country to ensure our freedoms.

You can also find this playlist on 8tracks and Shana's Roots Revival Co. blog. Be sure to check out Roots Revival Co. on Facebook and on her website!

Thanks for listening (independently)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

What I'm Listening to this Month: June 2014

Just barely in the nick of time for my second playlist of the month! Here's to celebrating the beginning of summer with some fun dance anthems, soul singers, and a little bit of hip hop.

Playlist

June Playlist Therapy

Highlights

- Track 1/ Satisfaction by Allen Stone

Allen Stone is a self-proclaimed 'hippie with soul,' and man--can this white dude sing! My brother played a couple of his songs while we were road tripping from Massachusetts to D.C. last month, and I knew I had to include at least one in the playlist this month. 

- Track 12/ Little Lion Man by Tonight Alive

Another song stolen from the East Coast road trip with my siblings last month- this is probably one of the best covers I've heard! Tonight Alive reminds me of a more hardcore Paramore, and their pop-punk take on Mumford & Sons' biggest song is ingenious. 

- Track 16/ Chandelier by Sia

I adore Sia: she's got singing chops, she's weird, and she got Lena Dunham to perform an interpretive dance number for this song on Late Night. It's funny for me to see Sia doing songs like this new single and David Guetta's Titanium (which I ADORE) which has made her so famous. Before all of this, she was making alternative jazz/pop singer-songwriter stuff, and also one of my favorite melancholy songs: Breathe Me. Also, apparently she used to sing back up vocals for Jamiroquai. 

Thanks for listening (literally)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook