SOUNDTRACK 2011

As we round out summer, I found myself rounding out an entirely different playlist than I started with. Like the weather, music makes or breaks your mood and this mediocre summer called for a bit more reserve a bit less brightness. Don't get me wrong, there is a shining star in there somewhere, but it's a varied soundtrack to years past - this Summer 2011.

Here's what's been in constant rotation:

The Burned - by The Burned
This album has nearly become a daily requirement. Tracks 4, Hard Lesson, and 9, Time, are especially worthy.

Honeybees Falling - by Sean Hayes
I found him based on the Subaru commercials play of Powerful Stuff, but some of his other tracks are better if not equally enjoyable. This is a sippin'-lemonade-in-the-shade kind of song.

Red - by Daniel Merriweather
A little broody, goes with the gray mornings on my hour long commute. The lyrics might ring a little sensitive in the shadow of a summer of stress and mid-life crisis.

Just Breath - by Pearl Jam
Of course I listened to all Pearl Jam and Eddie Vedder tracks this summer, including the Ukulele Songs album. I also got to see him in concert with Glenn Hansard. THAT was amazing and he ended up singing this song twice in light of a technical malfunction at the end of the first try. Score.

Who Are We Living For? - Dispatch
This album is also in near daily rotation. I stumbled upon them on eMusic and fell hard. Fave tracks are Passerby and Carry You.

Waste - by Foster the People
Another lyrically sensitive song. The upbeat vibe hides the heaviness of the lyrics. I love this song. It might be relevant.

Sydney - by Brett Dennen
Dennen's music is catchy and bright anyway, but his latest is fun. A drive-with-the-windows-down kind of jam. Try it, you'll be hand surfing, head bopping and hitting repeat. I'm listening and head bopping from a cubicle right now.

My Name is Trouble - by Keren Ann
This funky song is a big time fave. For owning your own kind of crazy. "My name is Trouble, my first name's A Mess." Perfect for a mood.

You & Tequila - by Kenny Chesney
I also got to see this concern after pretty much never hearing Chesney before. It was a experience to be sure. This song was a take away.

What Do You Want - by Jerrod Niemann
Almost a haunting song. I first heard this song in the dark 4am wake up of my summer job and it stuck. It's a slow, painful, song with an awesome intro. Plays well loudly.