Music Monday | Ben Harper

I borrowed a friend's Ben Harper mix and popped it in my car CD player for my ride back to college one weekend. It was late on a Sunday evening. The song caught me off guard and blew me away. I listened to it probably 5 times in a row.

I want to be ready.

Music Monday | G. Love & Special Sauce II

Another fun one, perhaps my favorite "fun" song:

Music Monday | G. Love & Special Sauce

A fun one here:

Music Monday | Bon Iver

Another artist where I could have posted a number of songs. This is the song, though, that made me fall in love with Bon Iver's music.

Music Monday | The Arcade Fire

I could post about any of their songs, but I'll go with this one for the way it fills the moment.

Music Monday | The National

"We're half awake in a fake empire. We're half awake in a fake empire."

Music Monday | Fleet Foxes

Music Monday | Mumford & Sons

Cold is the water

It freezes your already cold mind

Already cold, cold mind

And death is at your doorstep

And it will steal your innocence

But it will not steal your substance

But you are not alone in this

And you are not alone in this

As brothers we will stand and we'll hold your hand

Hold your hand

And you are the mother

The mother of your baby child

The one to whom you gave life

And you have your choices

And these are what make man great

His ladder to the stars

But you are not alone in this

And you are not alone in this

As brothers we will stand and we'll hold your hand

Hold your hand

And I will tell the night

Whisper, "Lose your sight"

But I can't move the mountains for you

Music Monday | The Weepies

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands.

Music Monday | Foy Vance - Hallelujah

This is the millionth version of the song, but the song's a classic and Foy does it justice. The payoff comes around the 4 minute mark.

Music Monday | The Avett Brothers

Beautifully written, musically and lyrically. And, they're fellow North Carolinians.

Music Monday | Broken Bells

I've absolutely been digging these dudes recently. The whole album is fantastic.

Music Monday | Billie Jean Cover

Sticking with Michael Jackson tribute this week.

Enjoyable cover of Billie Jean.

Music Monday | Michael Jackson Medley

This week is the one year anniversary of Michael Jackson's passing. This medley is a pretty good effort to pay him respect. Great vocals with impressive production.

Music Monday | Flobots

A song about balance. A fun listen. Plus, it makes you think.

Music Monday | Andrew Garcia

I caught this live on American Idol and was BLOWN AWAY by what a fun performance it was.

Music Monday | The Civil Wars

This is gorgeous.

"Poison & Wine is a musical snapshot about the dichotomy of love - that while it can be the thing that destroys you, it can also be the very same thing that beckons and builds you. JP and I are both married have been for several years now - and we got to talking one day about what a tug and pull our individual relationships can be. The longer you know someone - and the longer you allow someone to know you - the more the light and shadows inside each person become more vivid. This song was our attempt at being as brutally honest about the dangerous and beautiful process of knowing and being known."
-Joy Williams, The Civil Wars

You can get a their live album free on Noisetrade.

The Swell Season

I'm in a music kind of mood this brisk, sunny Friday.

I'm lovin' Falling Slowly by The Swell Season.

It's Never Quite Worth What You Give Up To Get It

"Like an Indian casino or a tank of unleaded it's never quite worth what you give up to get it."

We are in the midst of the most progressive time in music, perhaps since the '60s. The standards of what music is and how it is distributed seem limitless. If you're a music lover, it's a good time to be alive.

This summer, limits were pushed again as Derek Webb released his controversial album, Stockholm Syndrome. First, there was the release. His music label wouldn't allow him to release the full album primarily because of one track that communicated some provocative ideas with some choice language. So, Derek began to promote his album on his own with an Alternate Reality Game that led fans on a search for "stems" of different songs that were left all over the country. He set up secret websites, had a strange RSS feed, used Twitter to fake people out and offer clues, and even had passwords at various points. Overall, the experiment was compelling, drumming up anticipation for Stockholm Syndrome. Then, there was the content. "Stockholm Syndrome" is the psychological diagnosis given to hostages who, over time, become loyal to their captors. One could surmise that to Derek the term is analogous with those of us who continue to hate rather than abandon our prejudice. Webb's usual thought-provoking, incisive commentary is ramped up even more, with each song containing a lyric, or ten, that make you say, "Hmmm." His word choice forces the listener to listen, rather than passively let the music play. It's participative.

A few weeks ago I was able to see him play live in Charlotte. The electonic synth and skittering beats made for quite an enjoyable show.

This is his visually interesting video for the controversial track, and best song on the album, "What Matters More".

Go visit his store to download the full album for just $7.99. It will definitely be worth what you give up to get it.