[rotation 54] falling in love at a coffee shop
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 posted at 5:24 PM
overview. a mix-tape of soothing, somewhat downtempo tracks to relax to with a cup of warm coffee. imagine a quaint little coffee shop that's never too crowded: this is the music they might play. english, japanese, mandarin, korean. indie, soft rock, acoustic.
♪ falling in love at a coffee shop _landon pigg [♫]
♪ something to believe _david choi
♪ 동경 센티멘탈 클럽 _misty blue
♪ lying in the hands of god _dave matthews band
♪ 空はまるで _monkey majik
♪1234 _feist [♫]
♪ harry and bess _ferraby lionheart
♪ too bright _rubies
♪ drown out _glen hansard & markéta irglová
♪ stay out of trouble _kings of convenience
♪ 左邊 _sodagreen
♪ big jet plane _angus & julia stone
♪ metal girls _jim bryson & the weakerthans
♪ alison _jeremy fisher
♪ 고양이편지 _casker [♫]
♪ 봉인 _fanny fink
♪ song for me _instant romantic floor
♪ my desert _the life journey
♪ hot girls _headphones
♪ 한쪽 뺨으로 웃는 여자 _misty blue
♪ 白の日記 _kimaguren
♪ blanket song _linus' blanket
♪ 커피를 마시고 (Main Version) _urban zakapa
♫ = individual downloads
comments. i used to help out in a little coffee shop in my neighbourhood that was really centred around music - they had a weekly music night, open mike nights, etc. and always had great music playing. their playlist consisted mostly of jazz; this mixtape goes into the territory of indie, folk, and soft rock. it can be background music, or it can be the centre of your attention. there's a lot of great songs here, but a few personal favourites are chinese band the life journey's my desert with its airy female vocals and stripped-down atmosphere, kings of convenience's stay out of trouble for its beautiful, understated harmonies, dave matthews band's lying in the hands of god for its blend of edgy and comforting, and feist's 1234 for its sweet, simple atmosphere and textured vocals. landon pigg, rubies, and a few pastel artists (misty blue, fanny fink, etc.) also contribute some great songs.
Labels: Casker, Dave Matthews Band, David Choi, Fanny Fink, Feist, Instant Romantic Floor, Kimaguren, Landon Pigg, Linus' Blanket, Misty Blue, mixtape, Monkey Majik, Sodagreen, The Life Journey, Urban Zakapa
[rotation 49] vanilla twilight
Tuesday, July 13, 2010 posted at 3:00 PM
I wanted to get a rotation up before I left, so I can go straight to the 50th rotation when I get back. This rotation is themed around electro-pop and synths. It's named after Owl City's song of the same name, featured below, because it seemed like a perfect fit for the dreamy, sweet quality that a lot of electro-pop has, although not all the songs here fit that description.
Nothing Better - The Postal Service
English | Electro-pop
A side project of Death Cab For Cutie singer Ben Gibbard's, Nothing Better is charming and light. The synths remind me a bit of Owl City, although the vocals aren't quite as distinctive - not that they don't have their own charm. The play between the female and male vocalists is touching, and lyrically, it's also quite strong.
Vanilla Twilight - Owl City
English | Electro-pop
I'm not a huge Owl City fan - their songs tend to blend together to me - but I do like a couple of their songs: The Saltwater Room, and Vanilla Twilight in particular. It's melodic and absolutely endearing. The lyrics are a bit sappy but sweet nonetheless. It's a cute song about missing someone, and the adept blend of synths mixed with brief touches of guitar and piano is lovely.
Cuddle Fuddle - Passion Pit
English | Electronic
This song takes a while to establish itself, but I love the unique edge to the vocals starting at around 1:10 as well as the vibrant synths added at that point. It's not a favourite of mine, but it has a delicate edge to it that I like.
Hey You - Pony Pony Run Run
English | Electronic/Power-pop
This song is so addictive. I can't get enough of it. The bassline and beat are awesome, and there's something about its laid-back guitar riffs and addictive hook that is so appealing. I love the bridge as well, where everything slows down a little and the synth backdrop becomes a little more dreamy. Definitely one of the highlights of this rotation.
Beat In Love - Clazziquai Project
English | Electronica
Although Clazziquai is a Korean group, the lyrics of this song are in English. It's charming, upbeat, and their English sounds great. I especially love Alex's verses, there's something about the warmth of his voice paired with the synths that is just perfect.
S.P.X - Humming Urban Stereo
Korean | Electronica
The more mature atmosphere of this song separates it from some of the others in this rotation. I always found this song to be one that required a certain mood, or else it comes across as a bit repetitive and directionless. It might not be the most accessible track, but come on, it's Humming Urban Stereo.
Pool Party (feat. 사파이어 & 윤지아) - House Rulez
Korean | Electronica
I don't really like the chipmunk-y intro of this song, but all is forgiven when the splashes of brass enter. Like the title suggests, it's a great summer track with a lot of energy.
47 - Casker
Korean | Electronic
I love this duo, and songs like 47 are why. From the rich, lush intro of synths, I was captured. They definitely set a more serious tone than what you've heard in the songs above, but it's a welcome change of pace. The slight dissonance in the rising line of synths only adds to the hauntingly beautiful atmosphere of this song. YoongJin's smooth, elegant vocals are far different from what you'd expect in an electronica song, but it fits the song perfectly. Highly recommended.
Twist In My Love - Instant Romantic Floor
Korean | Electro-pop
It's hard to classify Instant Romantic Floor - their music has touches of electronica, pop, house, and bossa nova. Twist In My Love has a couple surprises in store, particularly the very light use of synths and the more prominent use of strings - though not in a ballad-type setting, but rather something sweet and airy, words that could be used to describe the song as a whole.
Snowdrop - Fanny Fink
Korean | Soft Rock
This Pastel Music group is a real gem. A soft, feathery song with surprising depth. I love the rich percussion and the barely-there vocals. Okay, on second listen I don't think there's actually any synths in this song except for a few deft ones blended in with the piano.
Giant - Yozoh
Korean | Electro-pop
Although Yozoh plays with a lot of genres, mostly acoustic, Giant is a foray into electro-pop. Her feathery, light voice is a good match. A soothing, atmospheric track with an understated beauty.
I was Wrong - capsule
English | Electronica
How could we have an electronica rotation of any sort without Japanese electronica duo capsule? The percussive intro of this song is fantastic, paired with a few lush, full-bodied piano chords. The vocals are achingly clear - and the English flawless. There's even touches of strings. It's sophisticated and textured. I love it.
Preservative Woman - Aural Vampire
Japanese | Electronica/Industrial Rock
An upbeat, light-hearted track with synthesized vocals that surprisingly, I like. Unfortunately, the rest of the song isn't that appealing to me although it's worth a listen.
QUESTIONS - MEG
English | Electro-pop
I've never been a big fan of Japanese singer MEG and never really understood her popularity, but her journey mini-album did have a few gems, one of which is QUESTIONS. It's polished and charismatic. The light, simple vocal execution really works with the catchy beat and bass. On a side note, there's an awful lot of Korean/Japanese artists with all-English lyrics in this rotation.
Kids - MGMT
English | Electronic
The line of synths in this song is just so instantly recognizable. It puts a smile on my face whenever I hear it. Addictive and surprisingly delicate, I really like the slightly echoed, distant feel of the vocals contrasted with the clarity of the synths and beat.
Daylight - Matt & Kim
English | Electronica, Power-pop
A cute track from Brooklyn-based duo Matt & Kim. It's bubbly and multi-layered, although the vocals are a bit of an acquired taste.
Labels: Aural Vampire, capsule, Clazziquai, Fanny Fink, House Rulez, Humming Urban Stereo, Instant Romantic Floor, Matt + Kim, MEG, MGMT, Owl City, Passion Pit, Pony Pony Run Run, The Postal Service, Yozoh
Just a quick head's up, my next rotation will probably be a few days late. I haven't been doing much with the site lately simply because I've been so busy with school. I've also been accepted as a reviewer at the LJ community music envy, if anyone's a member there - my username is deadsymphony. Anyways, this is just a small update. Four songs chosen completely at random:
Lie - Instant Romantic Floor
Korean | Electronica
I really like these guys. Ambient synths, a great percussion, softly sung verses interspersed with rapping.
perfect blue - Jazzin' Park feat. Atsumi
Japanese | Nu Jazz
I believe this song was actually for an anime, but it stays true to their original style. Light, feminine vocals set against a jazzy, distant piano accompaniment and a busy, pulsing percussion. A sweet, genuine, simple song.
The Day After - Ibadi
Korean | Folk Pop/Acoustic Pop
A beautiful atmospheric song that has an air of mystery and revelation. I love the soft, warm accompaniment and Horan's (from Clazziquai's) full, thick voice.
Order Made - RADWIMPS
Japanese | Rock
A soft, fairly typical rock track that consists mostly of conversational singing. There's one verse I really love, when the accompaniment kind of fades away and transitions, but other than that it doesn't really lead anywhere or build much. The guitar gets repetitive and tedious after a while. It's pretty, but not a song I would revisit. Although a lot of people really like them, so maybe it's just me.
Labels: Ibadi, Instant Romantic Floor, Jazzin' Blue, RADWIMPS
Rotation 17 is the first of a two-part rotation, featuring an artist for each letter of the alphabet. My themes just keep getting worse and worse, huh? XD Anyways, the artists were pretty much chosen at random. Some are songs that I don't even remember listening to before; I tried to upload some more rock since recently I've been uploading a lot of pop music. Because the theme focuses on the artist names, I switched around the order - it goes artist name/song name. =)
A! Analog Fish - Sayonara 90's
Japanese | Alt Rock
This is from Nano-Mugen Compilation 2008. I've heard of most of the groups on this album - AKFG, ELLEGARDEN, ART-SCHOOL, etc. but never heard of these guys. If you're a fan of Asian Kung-Fu Generation you'll probably like them. The remind me a little of Kimaguren, too. (& don't they have an awesome name?)
B! Bonnie Pink - Kane wo Narashite
Japanese | Pop
An energetic, upbeat pop song, IIRC it was for an Xbox 360 game, The Tales of Vesperia. Makes for a fun, light-hearted listen, but not oustanding.
C! Captain Straydum - Pera Pera
Japanese | Rock
I love this band. <3 Upbeat, fun rock that you can't help but tap your feet to. I dunno, I've heard them called pop-rock, alt rock, whatever. They're awesome.
D! doa - RUNAWAY
Japanese | Alt Rock
Melancholic, bittersweet, and extremely heartfelt. I love this song, I don't think I've ever heard a doa song I didn't like. Try this out.
E! E Z Hyoung - In My Eyes
Korean | Soft Rock
Another one of my favourite artists. This is from his second album which recently released. I absolutely love his voice, even if it seems a bit plain at first. Recommended.
F! F.T. Island - 사랑후애 (譃愛/After Love)
Korean | Pop
I don't care if they play instruments, I will never be able to see F.T. Island as "rock". Despite not liking the group very much, I do like some of their songs. After Love is a heartfelt, powerful ballad, despite being somewhat predictable. Hongki's voice has developed a lot.
G! Guyz - You Mean Everything to Me
Korean | Rock
K-rock ftw. <3 Light-hearted and a little poppy, I thought it was decent, but not their best.
H! HeaRt - Sophia
Japanese | Rock
Reminded me kind of something that would be an anime theme song. Love their vocalist, although the song itself is a bit simple.
I! Instant Romantic Floor - Instant Cafe
Korean | Electronica/Lounge
Their music is always so unique. A bit of an acquired taste, but I like them. =)
J! Jason Mraz - I'm Yours
English | Acoustic Pop
I love this song. It's simple, the lyrics are cliched, but it's so sweet. Jason Mraz has such a unique voice and style. Highly recommended.
K! Kim Sarang ft. Yoon Do Hyun - With or Without You
Korean | Soft Rock
A cover of U2's song by the same name. This was ripped from a performance, so it's not crystal-clear. Another favourite of mine, I just love the chord progressions in this song. Their English is flawless, too.
L! Lisa feat. Park Hyo Shin - With You
Korean | Ballad
I uploaded this song because of Park Hyo Shin, who is one of my favourite vocalists. I actually quite liked this song, which is saying quite a bit considering I'm not really a ballad fan. Lisa's voice is sweet but powerful, and very mature. Park Hyo Shin lends his deep, husky vocals in contrast. A great collaboration.
M! My Little Airport - Graduation Means Unemployment
Cantonese | Alt Rock
I've never been a big fan of songs in Cantonese; this is probably the only Cantonese song I've ever uploaded. My Little Airport is just so cute, their song names always make me smile.
There's probably more recommended songs (
) this week than ones without a recommendation. XP Oh well. Thank you to everyone who took the time to comment. =)Labels: Analog Fish, Bonnie Pink, Captain Straydum, doa, E Z Hyoung, F.T. Island, Guyz, HeaRt, Instant Romantic Floor, Jazon Mraz, Kim Sarang, Lisa, My Little Airport
