Music Mondays: Paramore "Fake Happy"

Whaaat, new music, new post, whaaaat??? I know. I almost have no right to even start sharing again after so long away from this blog, but you know? I FELT INSPIRED. Some songs just kinda click with your inner-being, particularly those moments when you're stressed and flying down an L.A. freeway alone and just scream-singing at the top of your lungs..... *inhale*slow exhale*

And this one's good. Belt-it-out-your-car-window good. My beloved Paramore finally released a new album for the first time in over 4 years, and I couldn't be more stoked about it. After Laughter isn't the romp their self-titled (2013) album was, but it's the self-proclaimed 'IDGAF/Don't ask me to smile' attitude laced throughout the whole record that the whole world needs right now. And "Fake Happy" is a teary ballad masquerading as a poppy rocker.

Have a listen, and while you're at it, check out it's equally middle-finger-to-the-haters sister track, Rose-Colored Boy, while you're at it. Consider it your Monday morning therapy. xx

Artist: Paramore
Song: "Fake Happy" | download | stream
Album: After Laugher

Music Mondays: Lady Gaga "Perfect Illusion"

A return to Music Mondays with a metal celebration from one of my all-time favorites. In what I would consider the most traditional music video she's ever made, Lady Gaga introduces us to the first single off of her forth-coming fifth studio album, Joanne, with frantic, dirty desperation. "Perfect Illusion" is a simple, heart-bursting metal anthem (co-produced by Mark Ronson) that has improved with every listen. No experimentation, no moody intros or breakthrough bridges... just a girl belting and dancing with everything she's got.

If this song is any indicator, Joanne (out Oct. 21) is going to be a return to Gaga's fine form (let's just pretend the majority of Artpop didn't happen, okay?) Because I'm feeling the need for more Gaga music in my life. Happy Monday, all!

xx

Artist: Lady Gaga | stream
Song: "Perfect Illusion" | download | stream
Album: Joanne
Directed by: Andrea Gelardin / Ruth Hogben

Music Mondays: Hozier "Better Love"

This weekend, I saw The Legend of Tarzan, and while I'm still writing out my thoughts (spoiler: I liked it—a lot), this seemed too appropriate not to share for Music Mondays. During the final credits, I couldn't help but perk up when I heard the romantic crooning of Hozier. "Better Love," Hozier's sweetly soaring ballad, was the perfect cap-off of a purely summer spectacle jam-packed with all kinds of sexy chemistry.

While the movie may not be to everyone's tastes, this song should be far less contentious. Can Hozier write a song for every movie from now on? That'd be great, kthx.

Artist: Hozier
Song: "Better Love"
Album: The Legend of Tarzan: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Music Mondays: Bo Burnham "Can't Handle This"

I actually shared this on my Facebook earlier today, and realized it would make a great entry for Music Mondays. Bo Burnham is a brilliant young comedian known for his musical comedy and enhanced theatrics, but in his most recent Netflix comedy special, Make Happy, he delivers his magnum opus with "Can't Handle This," otherwise known as his 'Kanye Rant.'

What starts out as an appropriately funny couple of verses laced with (surprisingly beautiful) auto-tune transforms into an unexpectedly emotional and resounding climax to his show. Watch it now (take note of the incredible lighting cues!), and check out his other comedy all over YouTube, including his first Netflix special, What. This guy is a genius. Enjoy, and happy Monday!

Artist: Bo Burnham
Song: "Can't Handle This"
Album/Show: Make Happy

Music Mondays: Fitz and the Tantrums "HandClap"

We're in need of something good right now. After a weekend full of unspeakable tragedy, it's easy to forget that June is a month dedicated to feeling PRIDE. I hope that in light of the sadness, you all found love, support, and happiness in your communities. And I also hope, if you were celebrating PRIDE across the country this weekend (or next, or the next), you found reason to dance. Today's Music Monday is dedicated to all those who refuse to slink into the shadows, and loudly proclaim their identities without fear. Find that joy and never let go.

Here is the new track from Fitz and the Tantrums, "HandClap," to lift you up and keep you dancing fiercely. ♥ 🌈

Artist: Fitz and the Tantrums
Song: "HandClap" | download
Album: Fitz and the Tantrums

Music Mondays: Justin Timberlake "Can't Stop the Feeling"

Happy Memorial Day, all you US folks! I hope you're all merrily drunk on beer and hot dogs by this point, and if the playlist spinning wherever you are isn't rocking Justin Timberlake's new uber-pop track, "Can't Stop the Feeling," then they're robbing you of a dancing good time. OK, so it might be the final credits track for the new movie Trolls, but that doesn't mean it's not catchy to the max!

Enjoy the day, everyone, and try to ignore the fact you have to return to work tomorrow. Muah! xx

Artist: Justin Timberlake
Song: "Can't Stop the Feeling" | download
Album: Trolls Soundtrack

Music Mondays: Miles Davis "Générique"

This past week, drowning in work and preparing for this week's Mexican vacation (I'm posting this while sitting poolside), the only way I could focus was by listening to the master trumpeter, Miles Davis. Strange coincidence that a bio-pic about him, Miles Ahead, came out this past weekend... while I haven't had the chance to see it yet, I have been reflecting back on my very favorite piece he ever did. "Générique." It's sexy and passionate jazz, and I listened to it on repeat the semester I stayed up multiple nights in a row to complete my first full 'spec' screenplay. As a result, the script was pretty sexy and passionate, too. ;)

If you're not familiar with Miles Davis' work, it's never too late to start. Take a listen to my pick of his best; it might just lead you to listen to more of his albums (almost all of which can be found on YouTube)... Happy Monday, folks!

Artist: Miles Davis
Song: "Générique" | download
Album: Jazz Track (1958)

Music Mondays: Tegan and Sara "Boyfriend"

Is anyone else excited for the new Tegan and Sara album??? One of their new tracks is called "Boyfriend," and it is Cyndi Lauper-esque perfection! On a day like today, I needed some synth beats in my life. I've been a fan of this twin electro-pop duo since I first heard their music playing on the early seasons of "Grey's Anatomy" (yes, I'm still religiously watching that show), and this is the most excited I've been about new music from them in quite some time. Maybe because it's been so long since we've gotten a full-length album!

Check out their new song, and prepare yourself for June 3 when Love You to Death officially drops!

Artist: Tegan and Sara
Song: "Boyfriend" | download
Album: Love You to Death

Music Mondays: The Chainsmokers feat. Charlee "Inside Out"

Remember that incredible dance anthem "#SELFIE" that we all couldn't get enough of in 2014? Yeah, well, the incredible DJ mix-masters (Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall) behind that track didn't stop there. The Chainsmokers have released their newest track, which has a significantly more indie sound, not unlike Chvrches, but of course featuring their signature beat-drops. Featuring Austrian electropop artist, Charlee, "Inside Out" is bringing me out of my music funk and inspiring me to start sharing again on these Music Mondays.

Sometimes we all just get a little... bored with our music don't we? That's been me the past few weeks, hence the lack of attention paid to this series. I've long been waiting for something new to come across my Pandora or introduced on the radio, and The Chainsmokers are breathing new life into my iPod. And it's not just this song! You've probably been hearing their other new track, "Don't Let Me Down" feat. Daya playing all over the radio (and it's incredible musical break)! Maybe because it's Spring, I just wanna wake up and feel the beat.

Happy Monday! xx

Artist: The Chainsmokers (feat. Charlee)
Song: "Inside Out" | download
Album: Inside Out single

Music Mondays: KITTEN "Fall On Me"

Another electrifying romantic anthem from Chloe Chaidez-fronted (and Los Angeles-based) group KITTEN. I've written about them before, reviewing their debut full-length record and even featuring one of their old classics on Music Monday. This time around, they've released a new EP (debuted at their recent show at the Fonda Theater in LA, which I also attended), Heaven or Somewhere in Between. The first single from that album is today's music selection, "Fall on Me," a stunning and soaring electro-pop gem that rivals the best of the 80's and 90's.

There isn't a single thing that KITTEN releases that I'm not eating up with a spoon. I've seen Chloe and her band in concert four times, and considering her affinity for her home city, there will certainly be more opportunities to catch her in LA soon. Have a listen to "Fall on Me," which isn't even available for download yet!

Happy Monday xx

Artist: KITTEN
Song: "Fall on Me" | [download currently unavailable]
Album: Heaven or Somewhere in Between (unavailable for purchase)

Music Mondays: Jasmine Thompson "I See Fire" (Ed Sheeran cover)

I suppose this is what happens when you're exhausting the Hozier channel on Pandora. Sweeping into my earbuds came Jasmine Thompson and her ethereal voice singing "I See Fire," a cover of singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran's song from the film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. While I simply adore the Sheeran version, Jasmine's voice just took me away today on this quiet Monday. Sometimes you just need that.

If you're aware of this young singer, you're probably familiar with one (or more) of her many gorgeous covers--her specialty. It probably wouldn't hurt to visit her YouTube Channel to check out all the other songs she's done, a handful of which she's actually improved on in her version. So take a listen to this track and enjoy it as much as I am. xx

Artist: Jasmine Thompson
Song: "I See Fire" | download
Album: Another Bundle of Tantrums

Music Mondays: Meg Myers "Lemon Eyes"

A quick post today, as I'm running around during my day off (MLK Day!). There might be something a bit grungy and dirty about Meg Myers—it's why she's so fun to listen to. With an 80's-style, Cyndi Lauper-esque punk-pop sound in her track "Lemon Eyes," it makes me all the more want to hear her full album, Sorry, released last year.

You've probably heard her on alternative radio lately, and I anticipate her going a bit more mainstream. Delightful! Take a listen and Happy MLK Day!

Artist: Meg Myers
Song: "Lemon Eyes" | download
Album: Sorry

Music Mondays: Andra Day "Rise Up"

Two weeks in a row of this vocal goddess. I couldn't help it. After sharing her track last week, featured in the film Meru, I started listening to every song on her first record, Cheers to the Fall. Anyone who is already familiar with Miss Andra Day's music probably wouldn't find this selection as any surprise, as it's been featured in a Beats by Dre commercial and is, justifiably, her first single. "Rise Up" sets my soul on fire, it has a power that I simply can't get enough of it. Of this video's 1.5 million views, I may have contributed a whole million of them last week. Over and over again this song is playing on my computer during work, even as I type.

My favorite track that I've heard in a while, even more than Adele's "Hello" (*gasp!*). Andra Day is a powerhouse diva with the type of voice the world could certainly use more of. Listen to "Rise Up" immediately—it'll make your Monday. xx

Artist: Andra Day
Song: "Rise Up" | download
Album: Cheers to the Fall

Music Mondays: Andra Day "The Light That Never Fails"

After weeks away from Music Monday sharing, I'm back from the holidays with a song a can't help but share. It's been an exhilarating year for movies, and there are so many "End of the Year" wrap up posts and favorites being put together for this blog—one, of course, is my Top 10 Movies of the Year list. With plenty of re-watching going on this past month, and seeing all those awards favorites, one movie is continuing to stand out. Meru is by far the year's best documentary, and while I won't share where it lands on my Top 10 list (spoiler: it's on there), it's the final credits song that speaks best to its beauty and intensity.

"The Light That Never Fails" by singer Andra Day deserves to be heard, to be belted... to cap off one of the best movies of the year. And it most certainly does. While I would argue you should watch the movie first, and listen to this track with your heart soaring high in satisfaction, listening to it right here and now couldn't hurt. It may even convince you to track this movie down.

Have a listen, and seriously, watch Meru! (read my review for the film here)

Artist: Andra Day
Song: "The Light That Never Fails" | download
Album: The Light That Never Fails 

Music Mondays: Heather Nova "Heart and Shoulder"

When I was in middle school (late 90s, for perspective), I used to sit in the dark on my floor and listen to this song (the whole album, really) over and over and over again, dreaming of a future boyfriend I couldn't wait to have. It's safe to say that I was a pretty melodramatic kid. But Heather Nova became a favorite of mine when multiple songs from her 1999 album, Siren, were featured on equally melodramatic WB shows like "Dawson's Creek" and "Felicity"... even my favorite, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," played a Heather song, albeit from her 2002 album, South.

I've been re-listening to a lot of Heather Nova lately, mostly the old stuff, even though she has a new record out. It's a nostalgia that's hard to describe, but it makes me heart heavy and full. So I wanted to share her with you on this Music Monday. Enjoy "Heart and Shoulder"!

Artist: Heather Nova
Song: "Heart and Shoulder" | download
Album: Siren

Music Mondays: Aurora "Half the World Away"

Another beautiful song from Nordic sprite, Aurora. Back in August, I shared her song "Running With the Wolves" for Music Monday, and I'm still completely obsessed with it. While I'm still eagerly anticipating her first full-length album, I certainly won't scoff at the occasional new single. This one is titled "Half a World Away," which I've been listening to non-stop for the past few days, wanting to float away into a calm, quiet place—probably because the holidays are fast approaching and they're usually anything but calm!

If you're also desperate for a feeling of peace and happiness, give this song a listen. Happy Monday! xx

Artist: Aurora
Song: "Half the World Away" | download
Album: N/A

Music Mondays: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats "S.O.B."

Last month, I was listening to L.A. radio station Alt 98.7—the Woody Show, naturally. Between talk radio bits, this song came on. Normally, music is an unwelcome distraction from the show during my morning commute, but not this time. This was Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats singing "S.O.B." and I was completely floored. One of the most exciting songs to play on the radio in years, the energy of the track is electric, thumping, and my heart pulses to the beat.

Rateliff's music makes my eyes light up, and I have yet to witness anyone listening to this song who doesn't react with the same excitement. It's funky, soulful rockabilly wrapped up in a bit of a homegrown hipster package. Something right out of O Brother Where Art Thou? with a kiss of Cry-Baby wackiness. Big band, Memphis sound, I've fallen hard for "S.O.B.", and I can't wait to explore the rest of their music. If it's half as good as this song, I may have a new favorite album on the horizon.

Give it a listen, and brighten your Monday morning!

Artist: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats
Song: "S.O.B." | download
Album: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

Music Mondays: Adele "Hello"

Because hello!! It's the weekend of Adele, because our girl is back! Her new single, "Hello" is from her forthcoming third studio album, 25, and it's goddamn incredible. I didn't even know how much I missed her until she came back.

My heart feels right again. I know you've already heard this. This one is for me.

Artist: Adele
Song: "Hello" | download
Album: 25
Directed By: Xavier Dolan

Music Mondays: CHVRCHES "Leave A Trace"

This weekend, I finally got the new, gorgeously white vinyl album, Every Open Eye, the new released from Chvrches! The album is incredible, but we knew that it would be, right? The perfect follow-up to The Bones of What You Believe. Today, I'm sharing their first single off the album, "Leave a Trace." But every song is wonderful, I can't recommend this album enough, especially on vinyl, since they're super affordable.

Check it out, kids!

Artist: Chvrches
Song: "Leave a Trace" | download
Album: Every Open Eye

Music Mondays: Sara Bareilles "She Used to Be Mine"

Did you know that singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles wrote a musical? Titled Waitress, it's an adaptation of the 2007 movie of the same name that starred Keri Russell. The stage production premiered this past August at the American Repertory Theater (the run those this past week), but Sara released a lyric video for one of the show's songs as well. "She Used to Be Mine" is a stunning, soaring theater ballad after my own heart, with Sara's signature vocal flourishes that make it so incredible.

With plans to move to Broadway in March 2016, I'm already eager to hear the full cast recording. If this track is an indication, Bareilles has written a hit. Have a listen! Especially if you love musicals, like me.

(PS - thanks to my friend Jason for bringing this song to my attention over the weekend!)

Artist: Sara Bareilles
Song: "She Used to Be Mine"
Album: Waitress musical production (no album yet)