Liability

I don't know what it is about this song but it just speaks to me. Sharing the acoustic version this week but you should listen to the record too. Hope you like it.

-S

Liability : Lorde




Hi there,
Good song choice. Her voice is so unique, and her outfit in the video is also..um... unique!
Here's one that came up on the playlist I was listening to the other week. I though he was Indian when I saw his name, but he isn't. Listened to a couple of his newer music, but At the Hop is super catchy, "Cook my in your breakfast, put me on your plate..." 

At the Hop : Devendra Banhart

Music People

The hard drive with all my music stopped working, and with limited internet accessibility and connectivity in Senegal, my usual music listening would need to change. Thankfully my new roommate came to the rescue with her vast collection of Spotify playlists perfect for quiet evenings, spirited weekends, or afternoon wake-up-music at work.

We travelled from opposite directions to arrive in Senegal. This new friendship has come with many perks - kitchen experimenting, beach exploring, salty-lake floating, mice hunting, and everything else that comes with a few months in Senegal. 

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My name is Lauren; I am an adventure-loving civil engineer from the United States, and I’m excited to get the chance to write today’s music midweek post. Though I love music, I’ve never been one of those people who would consider themselves a “music person.” You know the kind I’m talking about – the ones who are constantly forming new playlists, discovering new artists and opening their friends’ eyes to captivating new bands – but I’ve always appreciated such people and sort of aspired to be one. I would consider Tanisha, my current roommate and new friend, here in Senegal to be such a person. We’re both in Senegal for several months working as design professionals, and I have loved learning the art of being a “music person” from Tanisha over the past few months. And now I get to practice that art by sharing with you today.

Prior to coming to Senegal, I worked as a mountain guide in British Columbia leading week-long back-packing trips for youth. I decided to road trip from my home in North Carolina across the US up to BC before my guiding commitment began and enlisted two dear friends and fellow guides to join. We pieced together a circuitous adventure visiting friends and national parks along the way. The first song I’m sharing with you today became a favorite on this trip. We had one rule during our trip: your car seat determined your role in transit, and you must be prepared to meet all role requirements. The driver needed to focus on driving and alerting the group when photo ops and buffalos arose, the person riding in the backseat was in charge of preparing and distributing all snacks and meals, and the person in the passenger seat was required to navigate and DJ. As we entered Grand Teton National Park, my friend appropriately chose “When We Ran” by the National Parks as our drive-up song. I love this song, because of the free spirit it captures and how the blend of voices seems to carry you away to the adventure land of which they are singing. 

As We Ran : The National Parks

The second song I’ve chosen to share with you was introduced to me by one of my guide partners who is definitely a music person. Joseph is a trio girl-band whose lyrics and harmonies always leave me feeling empowered and inspired. Their song “Blood and Tears” is a favorite of mine because these tenacious lyrics remind me that quality relationships of any kind take work. As I travel a lot, it makes it hard to stay connected with friends and family sometimes. Fighting for those relationships across varying time zones has pushed me to see what true grace, love and care mean. Sharing other’s burdens through prayer and intentional conversations has lead to depth and character development in the process. As I look back on some of my most cherished relationships, I see that moments of separation and hardship have lead to the deepest of friendships. 

Blood and Tears : Joseph

Society and Citizens

Sudhir's Pick:
I know this song has a very slow start but gets pretty awesome from the middle onwards. It is a significantly more intense version than when A Flock of Seagulls sang this. I think you might like it :)

I Ran : Hidden Citizens

Tanisha's Pick:
The song I actually wanted to share isn't on YouTube. So, I had to find an alternative. Very bluesy, soulful piece. Hope you like it. 

Society : Alice Phoebe Lou

For an easier week...

Getting back into the swing of things here is not the easiest but good music makes it easier. Here is a new song from an old favourite. I think you will like it. - Sudhir

I Can't Quit - The Vaccines

Here's a track that has everything the perfect indie folk song needs - acoustic instruments, simple harmonies, lyrics about dreams and life simplicities and a music video with natural landscapes! Hope this track helps make your week easier. 
- Tanisha

The Woods - Hollow Coves

Chicago

Sudhir's Pick:
Since we did Soul last week, I thought we could try some slow jazz this week. I am honestly not sure what I feel about this song yet, but I know I can't stop listening to it. I think you might like it.

Chicago : Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker

Tanisha's Pick:
Last week I actually listened to a lot of classical instrumental music. Work was busy and instrumental is perfect for concentrating. But found this song with this bubbly guy in the video. Fun song.
I think you win this week though. Good choice. :)

Today is The Day : EELS

You Got Soul

Very random video and lyrics but I like her voice and the soulfulness of the song in general. Heard it yesterday on Deepu's Spotify playlist. You mights like.

-S

Teenage Fantasy : Jorja Smith

This track was saved in my Listen Later playlist. I love duo bands, and these two have a great harmony and a very light airy track. This is their debut track. Looking forward to hearing more from them. Hope you are enjoying being back in Bangalore. I am very jealous! 
- Tanisha

You Got Love : Upstairs Open

Time Zones

Hey you!

We swapped time-zones! And we're back with the dilemma of trying to coordinate phone calls with time differences. Anyway we'll eventually make time to catch up.

Despite spending a lot less time listening to new music, I found this cool track. The lyrics are a bit depressing, but the music is quite catchy. Have a good week. :)

Fears : Michigander

Found this great song this week by this great Canadian band. Not very well-known or well-publicised but very good. Hope you likes.

-S

Runaway Train : The Bros. Landreth