What I'm Listening to Wednesday 11-16-2011

I’m a little behind schedule on getting this posted, but hopefully you can forgive me.  I’m listening to a random mix of music again this week. I’ve also recently discovered Spotify, which has helped me discover some new music as well as re-connect with some old favorites.  It’s a great service, and if you have it, you’re in for a treat. I’ve created a “What I’m Listening To Wednesday” play list with my Spotify account! If you’re a member, you can access my playlists and hear the songs I’m referencing.  I think it’s a fun way to make my blog a little more interactive.

 Here are my picks for this week.

 1.       Rumour Has It/ Someone Like You (mash up) – Glee Cast By now you are all aware that I am a bona fide Gleek, and this week’s episode was really good! There was humor, there was drama, and some great music. Glee has done several mash-up songs during their time on air, and most of them have been pretty clever and entertaining. This week’s episode actually featured four mash-ups, and the Adele mix is by far my favorite! Two of the most powerful singers in the cast, taking on two big-voiced soulful tracks together made for a mash-up of epic proportions. I can’t stop playing this! And from the I-tunes sales records, I’m not the only one. This song also happened to be the 300th performance on Glee since its beginning, so it holds a little place in Gleek history too!

 2.       Otis- Jay-Z & Kanye West I know this song isn’t “new” at this point, but it’s such a stellar track that I keep finding it in regular rotation for me. It’s a great mixture of classic and contemporary, and the beat is insane! As soon as the bass kicks in on this song I want to drum on the closest available surface. Otis Redding is a soul legend, so to hear his rich, melodic voice is always a treat. Combine that with the hard and fast rhymes of two of the biggest names in hip-hop/rap right now, and you’re bound to have a hit. Just listen to it and tell me you won’t walk around singing “na na na” in your head.

 3.       Lucky One- Amy Grant I know you’re probably scratching your head on this one and thinking “one of these things is not like the other.” I realize this wouldn’t be an obvious choice of a song I’d be listening to on repeat. But I am. So there.  Yesterday one of my co-workers was looking for a supervisor, and when she found one that was available she said “Ah, you’re the lucky one.”  Instantly that phrase triggered memories of this song for me, and I was taken back to the days when I worked in radio, way back in high school.  I started humming the tune and looked it up on my Spotify as soon as I got home. It makes me smile and it makes me nostalgic, so it’s on the list this week.  This was a hit on the Leeza Gibbons Adult Contemporary Countdown, and gosh darn if it doesn’t hold a little place in my heart.:)


 4.       Midnight City- M83 Completely changing gears, this next song I actually discovered from the latest Victoria Secret’s commercial. Yep, I find my music just about anywhere. I had heard the brief clip of this song and thought it had a cool, electronic/industrial tone to it. I did a little research and found out who was performing the song, and I looked it up. It’s very atmospheric and interesting to listen to. Their most recent album is a two-disc set, and there are several stand out songs in the mix.  I of course listened to them on Spotify, and they’re now on my list for future purchasing.

 5.       Shake It Out- Florence + the Machine Florence Welch is so cool! By now you have probably heard of Florence + the Machine, or at least have heard some of their music.  The band recently released a new album called “Ceremonials,” and it’s receiving heaps of critical praise. And for good reason. The album freakin’ rocks! Florence Welch has a very soulful yet ethereal quality to her voice, and her range is incredible. The song “Shake it Out” is a stand out track from the new album, and it’s got a classic F+TM vibe to it. By the time she gets to the soaring chorus, you feel surrounded by the anthemic qualities of the song. It’s definitely worth checking out if you haven’t done so yet.

  And there you have it.  Next week may be the last week of music that doesn’t include any holiday selections. I am refusing to listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but as soon as the holiday is over, all bets are off. J With new holiday music being released by She & Him and Glee, you know I’ll probably have something to say about it.  Happy listening!