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)!

Be sure to Follow Me on Spotify and Facebook

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!