After a few months time and the turning of a new year (#bpt), MuZach Mondays is now back and better than ever. I suppose time got away from me after starting my new job back in September, so along with the new year comes the football offseason and my renewed commitment to some consistency with these posts.
Resolutions aside, for those who also value a diverse array of musical genres, this may be my best and most manifold lineup yet. And I’m actually now able to embed the videos for the tunes directly into each post, so hopefully that’ll make it easier for you to check out my ear candy – Yes, I realize “ear candy” sounds pretty douchey, but it’s an apt term given the gratification I derive from listening to these songs, which you can enjoy below along with a few personal thoughts after each.
If you’re on Spotify (which you should be), you can check out these tunes and a number more in my public “muzach” folder. Happy listening!
Probably my favorite song as of late coincidentally comes from one of my favorite bands, Vampire Weekend. I was reminded of my affinity for it after hearing it played at the end of a recent episode of “Girls.” I’d say the boys did total justice to Springsteen with this one.
Move over Katniss Everdeen, Alicia Keys is the new girl on fire. I can’t wait to hear her sing (not lip sync – ahem, Beyoncé) the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. Someone actually dubbed the song over some “Hunger Games” highlights, which you can amuse yourself with here.
Another cover of sorts comes here as Austin Mahone puts a pop spin on Biz Markie’s “Just A Friend.” It’s quickly become one of the favorites on my workout mix.
I heard this one on XM the other day and thought it served as a good reminder to keep the (emotional, physical, etc.) baggage to a minimum in the new year.
Another recent XM find. This group has a solid girl rock sound about them. Digging the heavy guitar and upbeat acoustics.
I was listening to an old soundtrack from “The O.C.” the other day and was reminded how much I used to love this song. And while I don’t miss Mischa Barton, I do miss the show, or at least the first couple of seasons before shit got cray thereafter.
An ’80s gem that I’ve found myself dancing around my apartment to… with the blinds drawn, of course.
A band I’ve come to increasingly appreciate after its first few albums, “Two Weeks” is a true dandy from good ol’ Grizzly Bear. I’m a big fan of a band’s use of the piano, so this song’s a clear favorite.
Janelle Monáe has a sublimely unique sound about her. She’s way more than the accompanying singer on fun.’s “We Are Young.”
Ra Ra Riot became one of my favorite groups after its 2010 album “The Orchard.” They recently released their fourth album, “Beta Love,” with a revamped, synth-filled sound with this serving as its title track.
While it’s not quite to the level of an LMFAO anthem, this tune’s funky and has a party rock feel to it. Makes me want to put my hands up in the air like I just don’t crrr.
I’m fairly sure it was Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig in a recent issue of Rolling Stone who likened Tame Impala to The Beatles had they stuck around for the 70s. Holla. They undoubtedly have a throwback feel about them that we don’t often have the pleasure of hearing from bands nowadays.
A Prepster's Prattles 