Hello December

Yikes, 2 weeks of not posting! I am sorry. 

Busy times, but a good kind of busy - friends visiting, traveling, mountains, and various other things! I am nearing my social limit and I am ready for evenings with hot chocolate and Christmas movies.

To make up for the slacking, here are two songs...
I know you like Ingrid Michaelson. She made a festive EP for the season. I've been listening to Christmas music for a while now, but didn't find any new stuff worth sharing until this one. These fuzzy warm covers and pretty perfect. 

I've got my Love to Keep me Warm : Ingrid Michaelson 

Also came across this one, and it made me a bit sad. Not having family around and not being in Bangalore makes it a very different December. Here's a mopy song for people like us to sulk with. Super catchy tune though, that's really why I am sharing it. :)

Carry Me Home : Hey Rosetta!

This is a brand new song that I thought you would like it, I have been tripping on it the whole day including acoustic versions, live versions on talk shows and others. I think acoustic might be the best but had to share this one because the video and concept are great. Can't wait for the full video.
- Sudhir

Walk on Water : Thirty Seconds to Mars

Might Like, Might Not.

Hey hey!

Think you will like this one.

-S

People Like Us : Susie Blue

I don't know whether I love this song. Wondering whether it belongs on a road trip playlist or a cleaning the house playlist! Heard it from a movie I watched the other day. The movie had lots of mention of the band, The Kinks. I think I should listen to them. 
You might like this (or not!) Haha. 
- Tanisha

Everybody : Diane Coffee

Little Hummingbird

Hey hey!

So this was a really cool video (maybe it's popular, I just never knew) along with a great song. You will likes, me thinks. Hope the week goes well. :)

-S

Little Light : Lewis Watson

A 360 degree music video! So fun. Good tune.
I know the next two weeks are going to be crazy for you. Hang in there! You can do it :)

I chose my song mostly for the funky album cover, but good song too. 
- Tanisha

Hummingbird : Wildling

Songs for Non-Summer!

I loved your song last week. I don't usually follow Britain's Got Talent but if it keeps producing gems like this maybe I should. On a slightly different note, I think you will like this song a lot. Seems perfect for the colder winter days with a nice cup of chai. You will like it, me knows.

-S 

Lost in My Mind : The Head and the Heart

So nice catching up yesterday! Been long overdue. Britain's Got Talent doesn't always have stuff that's this exceptional. I only skim through their online videos and watch the music acts (usually hidden between the dancing dogs and magicians)

Good song choice. The Head and the Heart have very wintery-warmth music! Delhi has transitioned from endless summer weather to not-hot weather. Waiting for the days when it's cold enough to have hot chocolate every day!

Here's another wintery one! Have a good week
- Tanisha

Feels : Son Mieux

Remixes and Mashups

Sudhir's Pick:
I was in Warriar's place yesterday and this came on spotify. At first, I thought it was just ok but it really grew on me and you know my penchant for remixes. Hopefully, it will be an interesting one to start your week off right. Enjoy! Skype soon?

Thinking out Loud : Brother Strut

Tanisha's Pick:
If you watched Britain's Got Talent this year, you would remember this guy. He won the show with his super creative mashups. I've been waiting for him to record those tracks. Here's the one he played at this audition- Clair De Lune by Debussey and Bloodstream by Ed Sheeran- much brilliance!
Yes, Skype. Tell when. :) 

Bloodstream : Tokio Myers

Paper Plane Pilot

Hey hey,

Very easy listening track to go with my laid-back weekend. I went to a documentary screening and an art exhibition today- a very art reflective kind of day. 
Hope your weekend was good. We must catch up soonly!
- Tanisha

Paper Plane Pilot : Sean Christopher 

Sudhir's Pick:

Rut : The Killers on Sound Exploder

Hey you!
Doing something different this week. Sharing an exciting podcast I have found which dissects new music along with the artists. There is an impressive list of artists on it including The Killers talking about their new song "Rut". Since I can't find the song anywhere online, this blog serves as a great substitute. This Killers song is exceptional and the story behind it hits you in the feels.

Anyways, here it is - Song Exploder. Will be very excited to hear what you think about it.

Flowers and the Weatherman

Sudhir's Pick:
Not sure if you listened to this one when I sent it a few weeks ago so sending it again. I am slowly appreciating Flowers' solo career. They seem like they are lyrically richer than the Killers stuff but you can tell that the band should be together. Hope you enjoy.

Magdalena : Brandon Flowers

Hey you,
Sorry I forgot. It was a busy week. My mum and brother are here to visit. We went away to the mountains for the weekend. My favourite kind of getaway. Here's a song that sort of describes what that feels like :) Back in Delhi, and ready for the week. 

Till the Sun Comes Up : Jack and the Weatherman 

Trees and Bees

I have mixed feelings about this song and I am not sure if you will like it or not, but I think you might. Dave Grohl (of the Foo Fighters fame) was talking about this song in a recent interview. So I thought if Dave recommends it, how could I not pass it on to you?

Hope you have a great week.

-S

Again and Again : The Bird and the Bee

Interestingly, I was actually listening to some stuff by The Bird and The Bee today. They are quite unique. For anyone who is a Mumford + Sons or a Lumineer's fan, my song choice will be easy to like. Lots of "heys!" :P
It just occurred to me, that I still haven't read your essay. Completely slipped my mind. I'm such a bad friend, sorry. Also, we were supposed to catch up this weekend. Sigh. Let me know if you are free during the week. 
Enjoy the music. 

Waterfall : The Gardener & The Tree

One Kaleo of Rhys

Hey hey!

I think you may like this one. Seems like it would make for a great OST which as you know if my chief reason for liking songs anyways. Was great to catch- up last week. Another one soon?

-S

Way Down We Go : Kaleo

Yo!
Much sorry for no post and late post. Didn't have a song until just now. I need to listen to more music this week. It feels like a while since I listened to good music all day!
Also, really enjoyed the track you picked. What power in his voice. Very cool vibe too.
Talk soon.
- Tanisha

I Know the Feeling : Rhys Lewis

Showboats and Dives

Sudhir's Pick-
I think I have sent you Josh Ritter music before. He is good especially in this song. It's got a nice jazzy feel and very cool lyrics. Hope you like.

Showboat : Josh Ritter

Hi, it's been a long week, but a good one :) Hope yours has been good. 
Here's a singer from South London. I love listening to live/acoustic versions of songs. I really liked this one. Have a good week yo!
- Tanisha

Dive In : KYKO

Serendipity

Hey hey!

So you might recognize this guy from American Idol. Like most winners, he has a token music video. He is not too bad but nothing special. Definitely not a Daughtry or Carrie Underwood.  Anyway, it's a fun track for a week that has so far been pretty blah. Hope it has been a good week.

- S

Sweet Serendipity : Lee DeWyze

Hey you,
Sorry about your rough week. Hopefully this one will be better. 
My music listening this weekend ranged from choral music to some mainstream pop! Nothing really worth sharing on this blog. 
Found this today. The internet labels this genre as Soul rooted RnB. But I like it because it's really chill, the piano is great and he enunciates his lyrics! Also the video is cool. 
Hope the music is relaxing at the least. 
-Tanisha

My Time : Jordan Rakei

Human Lightening

Hey,
I've been feeling very blah this weekend- the kind of blah before you become ill, or when you are recovering from illness. So I stayed in bed most of the day and watched silly romantic comedies! Aside from feeling kinda better now, I also found this cool song from one of the movie soundtracks. The lyrics are a bit depressing, but the music is great. I'm sure you'll like it.
Have a good Monday! :) 

Lightening Tent : Wildlife

Are you feeling better because of the romantic comedies? That would be a fascinating power that romcoms could have. Also, I am experiencing a solidarity sickness of a running nose and cough. Oh well... Since we are talking about discovery of new music. I heard this choice wile driving down to Brighton this weekend. I think you will like it.

BTW, I think I win. :)

-S

Human : Rag n' Bones Man

Let Me In

Sudhir's Pick:
Since you are already so confident that you are going to win this week, I shouldn't even try right?! Nope, I really think you will like this. This has been on repeat all morning. Super catchy and does all the right things musically. Enjoy!

Let Me In : Grouplove

Hey you,
I was super excited to find this band-- an indie Indian duo. Love the simplicity of the track- the young love story line, the funky musical arrangement, and the music video. I asked you the other day about your thoughts on Wes Anderson because I think their music video has lots of Anderson elements- the colours, the random compilation of objects, camera angles, etc. I visited the National Gallery of Modern Art today, so I'm feeling very artsy. Going well with this song choice! 

They only have three tracks out, and I am waiting to see more of their talents and variety in music styles that they produce. 
I liked these lyrics from their track- Philosophize. 
"I've got a New York state of mind, In Indian standard time... Sometimes it just don't seem to fit" 
P.S I like your choice. Catchy for sure. :) 

I Love You Baby, and I Love You Doll : Parekh and Singh 

A Closeness to

Ok, I am totally going to win this week. Didn't think I would like this song on one listen but it really grew on me. Especially after reading the lyrics, how it picked up in the second verse and the range of Kennedy's voice. You will really like it, me thinks.  Have a great week, T.

-S

A Closeness : Dermot Kennedy 

Hey hey,
Such a great song choice. I likes very much.
Who is this Ruth B.? She seems popular, but I only heard this now. A bit late to the party. But this is an unusually soulful raw track to be popular. Pleasant surprise. I like how simple the song is, but her voice is flawless. Hope you've had a good weekend. 
-Tanisha

Lost Boy : Ruth B. 

Random Title

Found this really interesting band on Spotify today. Very strong indie vibe with great lyrics and a strong Mumford and Sons feel. I think you will really like them. Hope you do. Hope the week goes well even though you are not in the mountains.

-S

Agape : Bear's Den

Hey you,
Bear's Den is great! Good choice. I actually shared one of their songs here a long time ago. But I haven't heard this song. Thanks for sharing.
Here's a song by the April Towers. Heard them for the first time today. Catchy song and amusing video. Enjoy. :)

Takes One to Know One : April Towers

Killin' it!

Sudhir's choice:
So...You missed a great concert. A spectacular one, in fact. You would have really liked it. Cold War Kids did their thing, Tears for Fears still got it and Elbow was a surprisingly good concert band. The Killers rise up as my favourite live performance ever. I am pretty sure Brandon Flowers looked at me at some point when they did Mr. Brightside. For this week, and only because you have heard every single Killers song, I am sharing my favorite Elbow song. It was great live. You will like, I am sure. 

One Day Like This : Elbow

Hey,

Was nice chatting and catching up today. I have a feeling that you won't like my song choice this week. But anyway, here goes...
Despite my usual aversion to electronic music, I discovered this very cool/interesting genre recently- electro-swing. But I realised that ever since the incredible soundtrack of The Great Gatsby, I have liked this 1930s swing mashup with modern electro. 
In general, this genre is great for sunday motivation to clean the house! Haha.
If you don't like it, listen to it next time you're cleaning or washing dishes! :) 
Enjoy your week.
- Tanisha

Lost in the Rhythm : Jamie Berry ft. Octavia Rose

Brightside and Shadows

T,

This is the week. It's here. It is! It's the week I get to listen to Mr. Brightside live. In honour of this exceptional week, I am sharing one of my favourite lesser known songs. I thought you would appreciate the sax in the middle of the song. I really hope they play this. No doubt, next week will another Killers song. Get excited.

:)

I Can't Stay : The Killers

Ah, the Killers! Any day is a good day to listen to them :)
Sorry for such a laaaate post! Being in Bangalore the past few days gave me lots to do and I forgot about the blog! 
Here's one from my "watch later" playlist on YouTube. Hope you like.

Shadow and Light : Martin Luke Brown

New Places, New Music

So I have started listening to a lot of new sounds. I discovered this one when I was at a coffee shop this past week. I think you might like it and the new trip I am on. Hope the week is spectacular.

-Sudhir

I Found a Way : First Aid Kit

 

Hey hey,
Great choice. I have heard them before, but not this track. I do like this new trip you're on. Keep it coming. :) 
My weekend was the perfect kind of weekend- no phone, no internet, no music, just the mountains, the stream and a book. Here's my selection, courtesy YouTube recommendations. I do like the folksy style and the very ballad type of lyrics. 

Into The Sun : Sons of the East

Crystal

Sudhir's Pick:
I realize I have been slacking a lot of late and I have no good way of making it up to you but I am going to try my very best through this post which mixes a good song and some epic trivia which I think you would appreciate.

While this song might not be your favourite genre, it is cool because the video is where The Killers got their name from. Please note the name on the drum kit in the video. The first song that The Killers wrote was Mr Brightside and they performed it for the first time at an open-mic night with their name "The Killers".

-S

Crystal : New Order

Hey Sudhir,
Yes, you have been slacking. Better win the next few weeks with more good music! (Until then, I shall hang on to the trophy :P) 
This one was a random YouTube find. What a solid voice (see what I did there!). But really, such raw emotion and intensity in his voice. Barely needed much musical accompaniment. 
Have a good week :) 

Solid Ground : Alex Vargas

Jazz and More

It's been a while since we've had a guest sharing music on the blog. From family holidays to the mountains, dressing up, hot chocolate experiments, and teaming up with water guns against our brothers, our memories go a long way back. 

This week, Geetanjali is bringing two favourites from her playlist. 


------------------------------------

Hey everyone! This is Geetanjali, Tanisha’s flatmate, and friend since that awkward age when mud used to be a tasty delight.

My journey with music is a little difficult to describe. However, the closest I can get to articulating the value of music to me is in saying that it has served as a portal to many imaginary worlds – similar to the pools in the Land Between the Worlds introduced in C.S. Lewis’, ‘The Magician’s Nephew.’ My current interest usually depends on the kind of world I’m most keen on visiting at the moment. That being said, there are some places I like visiting very very often!

Take Five by the Dave Brubeck Band is best accompanied with a good cup of tea and is perfect to listen to on rainy days and windy nights :)

Take Five : The Dave Brubeck Quartet

This next song was originally done by The Doors. However, I prefer Nigel Kennedy and Jaz Coleman’s concerto version of it. Listening to The End conjures up imagery of a bittersweet trek through the Himalayas away from an oppressive Tibet. 

The End : Jaz Coleman & Nigel Kennedy

From the Stratosphere

Hellos!

I like the name of the band and the name of the song, and all the nature references in the song.

I don't know how long I can keep ignoring this volcano choir inside my soul...
Like the islands in the sea, we are united in the deep...

There isn't a lot of information about the band, and only a few tracks to their name. Quite a lucky stumble upon.

How I Leapt From the Stratosphere : Mountains of the Moon

Oye!
So sorry you are not well. I have another song for you. Totally happy kind of get-well-soon kind of song! You have probably heard a song by this guy before-- this song has been in my head on and off. Must have heard it in a movie recently. Checked out other stuff by him, and found this one; love it.
Hope you are pain-free soonly. 

I'm Alive : Michael Franti & Spearhead 

Black Hole Sun

Hey,

I went on a Chris Cornell binge the other day, like I'm sure half the world did. What a voice! 
Here's an eerily good cover of one of his most well known songs from Soundgarden. 

How was your week at home?! It rained in Delhi today- that's a big deal after the sweltering temperatures the past week. 

:)

Black Hole Sun (Cover) : Nouela

An original Animals classic, this Lana Del Rey cover presents a new twist to it. I think you may like it a lot.
-Sudhir

Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood : Lana Del Rey

Meetings and Music

Hey you,

Back again after a quiet hiatus. Was so much fun meeting you last week here in my new city. We should have taken a picture for the blog. Oh well, come visit again. :)

Here's a song by a band from Estonia. They have some pretty cool music and equally cool music videos. Like how the song starts with just the bass guitar and clapping as accompaniment.They seem to be quite well known in their corner of the world. Quite glad to have discovered them now. Enjoy.

Hope you have a fun month at home. :)
- Tanisha

Good Man Down : Ewert and the Two Dragons

So great seeing you this week after what seems like an eternity. Unfortunately, this song is not in direct response to seeing you though. I have been on a Bon Jovi trip. This is one of my favourites. I especially like his acoustic cover of it. Jon Bon is actually quite a good singer. Hope you like it too.
-Sudhir

Always : Bon Jovi

Happy Tanisha Day

Taking a step back from picking songs to allow some of our loyal listeners to chime in and wish you a happy birthday. I know you aren't a big fan of birthdays, but consider this a consolidation of all the things I normally do to annoy you but can't because we are on different continents now. Considering that you had coffee with me on November 21st, 2012, aren't you glad I wasn't around in 2016?

Anyways,I wrote you a greeting which I think will be acceptable for a person who doesn't like their birthday. Besides, I must balance out the mush from the following posts. Here goes...

You are now 27 and I have known you for ten years. It has been enjoyable. There are 365 days in a year (sometimes 366) you were born on one of those and it is noted. I hope this year is pleasant and that you achieve success in a reasonable number of your aspirations. You are pretty ok, I guess.

With utmost sincerity,

Sudhir

----------------------------------------

As I was writing this, the first song that came to mind is, 'Funny The Way It Is' and I feel like it appropriately reminds me of you; of various conversations we've had and what I've seen of your life's journey. You seem comfortable being yourself and at ease with looking for better questions rather than settling for easy answers. You're one of the few people that I can un-ironically describe as having the joie de vivre and I hope you maintain that spark. All the best for your 28th #macroadventure and thanks for the postcards. 

- Joel

Funny The Way It Is : Dave Matthews Band

Happy Birthday Tanisha! We've always shared a love for good musicals and I can't thank you enough for alerting me to the sheer brilliance that is Hamilton. This song off the Hamilton mixtape is taken on one the most popular lines in the show- "Immigrants; we get the job done". Apparently Lin Manuel Miranda had to incorporate a pause in the music after this line, because it usually meets with such thunderous applause. I love the lyrics in this mixtape version - particularly the Riz MC bit -  and I hope you do too!
- Sanjana

Immigrants (We Get The Job Done) : Snow Tha Product, K'Nann, Riz MC, Residente Calle 13

This is my contribution for those much needed impromptu dance sessions as you deal with full-fledged adulthood. Also, eh eh mon ami a nkele n'ta translates to - my friend has chosen only her. May only the best things in life choose you.
- Minita

A Kele Nta : MHD

When I was asked to dedicate a song for Tanisha's birthday, a song just popped in my mind spontaneously. It's called Honest, by Francesca Battistelli. I first heard this song when I was visiting Tanisha in Delhi. She was rehearsing this song to sing at church. Personally, when I heard Tanisha rehearsing it, I felt that this was one of her best rendition. Simple song, but powerfully sung. I am far from being a singer, but after listening to Tanisha sing it, I decided that if I ever have the courage to sing a solo in church, it would be this song. 
- Nikita

If We're Honest : Francesca Battistelli

Mango Trees

Sudhir's choice:
I thought you would like this sweet melodic piece to help start your week off correctly. Once again, Spotify is to blame for helping me discover this song. Hope you like it. Also, how awesome is her voice? 

Oh Please My Heart : Redbird

Tanisha's choice:
The music video shows the singer, his manager and film maker traveling from Edinburgh to St.Ives couch surfing and performing in a variety of places. It reminded me of when Prateek Kuhad was in Bangalore and wanted to do a home gig, and we offered him your halli garden. I don't know how he chose any other option over singing under the mango trees in your house. We could even offer him tents and campfires, and plenty of people to perform for. His loss! 

The past two weeks been super busy- my fault that we skipped posting last week. Hope you've been good. Enjoy the song :) 

St.Ives : Charlie Straw

Only the Wild Ones

Hey you,

The past week has flown by, and summer has arrived in Delhi. I can already feel my body start cooking towards a medium rare state. Will be nicely well done by May, meat falling off the bone by June. Haha!

Anyway, since you are indisposed this week, I will treat you to my two good finds. Both trio male bands. Have you heard of Dispatch? They aren't a new band, but I don't know any of their music. This track is from their upcoming album release. Quite an interesting mix of genres- some reggae for sure, a bit of stomp and holler half way through the song, and general indie folk rock stuff.

Platon Karataev is a band from Hungary. Great song, great lyrics, interesting accents, good harmony. Cool shots in their video too. :)

Hope you enjoy them! 

Only the Wild Ones : Dispatch

Elevator : Platon Karataev

Everyone's Talking

Hello!
I might have sent you this guy a long time ago. But he's been making some new music, so here he is again. I am in Bangalore right now. But it's for work, so it's kinda awesome and kinda weird! Haha. Have a great week.
- Tanisha

Everyone's Talking : James Hersey





Sudhir's Pick

I think I have found my new favourite beat - Afrobeat. Seun Kuti is the son of a legend of the genre and has taken over his father's band, Egypt 80 on his father's death. A friend of mine went to his concert yesterday and highly recommended his stuff. I think it's pretty cool. Take a listen.

-Sud

Black Woman : Seun Kuti & Egypt 80

What You Know

Hey hey,

Thought you might need a spunky exciting tune today. I certainly did. Such a cloudy day. Hope you likes.

-S

What You Know : Two Door Cinema Club

Hello.
It's been a busy week with house hunting and lots of things going on at work. Haven't done my usual amount of music listening, except for yesterday. Had a perfect Sunday of walking around Hauz Khas Village, eating in a nice cafe and did some baking in the afternoon. Heard this track- a nice airy light song for my Sunday. 
Btw, I've listened to a lot of  Albin Lee Meldau- quite an awesome artist! Great share last week. :) 

Sweetest Thing : Allman Brown

Much Needed Break

Hey hey!

This has been my trip for this week. You will know why. It does all the things I like in music. He will be huge soon, I think. It's my prediction. Take a listen. :)

See you in a few weeks.

-Sudhir

Lou Lou : Albin Lee Meldau

I've been telling you about my short weekend trip to the mountains, but I am stressing it more with my song choice today. The city tires me out- the noise and pollution is often claustrophobic. Spent two days with fresh air and beautiful mountain-scapes. Came home to find this song in my email. I don't remember signing up to this composers updates, but I guess I did. Instrumental music often connects me to nature. This track especially with it's raw acoustic recording with the creaking of the piano bench and the pedals. 

Glad you had a bit of a break this weekend too.

P.S. Great song choice. Listening on repeat. And yes, see you soonly. :D 

Seven : Richard P John

Keeping Me Alive

I finally found a song after a long time that is truly me. Take a listen and you will know why. Beautiful guitar riffs, gruff vocals and soulful lyrics. You will love it, too, I think.

Have a great week!

-S

Keeping Me Alive : Corey Harper

Great song choice, you. Very deep lyrics.
I don't feel too bad that we missed posting last week. I was so excited about Oscar season this year. Even though we couldn't watch the show live, was still a pretty exciting set of winners.

Thought I'd be back to my usual music listening, but I really had nothing to share until a few minutes ago. YouTube helped with a good suggestion. This guy seems to be popular, but I've never heard of him. Pretty fun style of music. Have listened to a few of them, and each of the tracks seem to be quite unique. Hope you like :)

Sure Love : Jarryd James

Castles and Flying

Thought you would require a cool video and an upbeat song for this Monday. I think this is my perfect type of song. You will know why when you hear it.

I think you would like it to.

-S

Castle on the Hill : Ed Sheeran 

Hey,
Good song choice. Here's one that is my kinda song. Very indie vibes, good lyrics, happy/sad feel good type of video, and an exceptional voice. 

'...These streets I'm walking, they start talking to me oh oh. Can't you see yeah yeah, there's only one way outta here. We have to face the things we fear, and we could be anyone we wanna be...'

It's going to be a good week. Hope yours is too! :) 
-Tanisha

Fly Away with Me : Tom Walker