"In your love, my salvation lies"

-Four Songs-
By Alexi Murdoch

I heard Alexi for the first time on the movie soundtrack "Away We Go". His music added so much to the movie I had to run to my computer and find him as soon as it ended. Alexi is truly engrossed in this music. It's sounds as though I could drop a piano from thirteen stories up ten feet way from him and the song would just go on. Get lost with Alexi.

P.S. I love this movie...

"Trumped every inner inertia"

-For Emma, Forever Ago-
By Bon Iver

After hearing so many good things about Bon Iver, I had to finally see for myself what all the hype was about. This is a great album. The hype was well deserved. Thanks to all of my friends who kept mentioning Bon Iver to me.

"You started a fire and you can't put it out"

-Wooden Teeth-
By Mouse Fire

Wooden Teeth is one hell of an album. I was doting on these songs when the band had only released a couple of them on Myspace. The rhythmic drive and engaging melodic vocals are enough to hook you right from the start. The band changed the line up shortly after they released this album. They are currently working on a new album. What I have heard so far doesn't have the same arresting quality as before. I am looking forward to checking out the new album when it's released May. Until that time, enjoy this one.

"And the sidewalk holds diamonds like a jewelry store case"

-Motion Sickness: Live Recordings-
By Bright Eyes

I played in bands for many years. It was scary when I decided to give up bands. It had become all I knew of performing my music. When I decided to do the singer/songwriter project Bright Eyes was a huge inspiration to me. I listened to "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" repeatedly. There was nothing I wanted more than to be able to express myself in this intimate and personal style Conor had so carefully mastered. Listen, Love, Enjoy!

"The closer I'm bound in love to you, the closer I am to free"

-Swamp Ophelia-
By Indigo Girls

My first experience with the Indigo Girls music was bad. You may be asking yourself how is this possible, well let me explain. I was hanging around the campfire at the age of about thirteen during a trip to an amusement park. A fellow camper busts out his guitar and starts butchering Galileo. I asked him who the song was by. He told me the name of the group, so I made sure never to listen to them. Thanks to that campfire hack guitarist who licks, I missed out on years of good music.

I was fortunate enough to fall in love with a woman who has great taste in music. Since we got together I have been trying to make up for lost time.

The Power of Two is one of my favorite songs of all time. It gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.

Thanks Kare!

"The coast disappeared when the sea drowned the sun"

-Plans-
By Death Cab for Cutie

This was my first Death Cab album. I love listening to it with my headphones on. The haunting melodies combined with the lyrical imagery are fascinating. I love the instrumental swells in "What Sarah Said". This is another album I continue to listen to over and over. It reminds me of my last year in Florida. What an exciting year.

"Tiredness fuels empty thoughts"

- O -
By Damien Rice

This album has been a friend of mine for awhile now. I like to listen to it while driving around in the van at work. It can totally change the mood of my day. His passion is unique and I love it. Thanks Damien!

"We're either consumers or revolutionaries"

-The Acoustic E.P.-
By Against Me!

This is one of my favorite albums. I listen to it often. The spirit of being free rings through on every track. It makes me think about the time I lived in my van (down by the drainage ditch).

Be careful this album is addictive.

"Back broke and happy cause you're near"

-Strict Joy-
By The Swell Season

I was so excited this morning when I looked at The Swell Season website and saw that they are coming to Pittsburgh! I will be attending this show for sure. Their music is inspiring. It makes me want to drop what I'm doing and run to the studio to lay down some tracks. The passion in these songs is wonderful! You should definitely watch a video of them live. It has a special sweetness that you won't want to miss.

"Out on the shores of Lake Erie"

-Lace Up Your Work boots-
By Boca Chica

This music is wonderful. I feel like a warm blanket has been wrapped around me while I listen to this album. The warm thick sounds that float in and out of these tracks create an atmospheric canvas. The vocals are soothing and sweet. The banjo and various percussion instruments keep these songs moving. This album is one you will want to listen to over and over.

"Not even the hands of God could hold me back from you"

-The Second Gleam-
By The Avett Brothers

The Avett Borthers are one of my favorite groups. I bought this CD on my summer tour with Essential Machine. It was great traveling music. It's a very intimate recording full of rich harmony and lyrical guitars. I'm sure you will be hearing more from The Avett Brothers in the coming year of My Life in Records.

"I was walking with your left hand in my back pocket"

-With Blasphemy So Heartfelt-
By Jessica Lea Mayfield

I first heard Jessica on WYEP 91.3 FM. Her haunting voice had me from the start. This record sounds dirty. It's not polished and has a raw untouched feel to it. It sounds like it could have been recorded all in one take. I'm looking forward to her next release and catching the live show.

"I'm still swimming in harmony"

-The Legion Sessions -

By Great Lake Swimmers

I enjoyed the simplicity of the arrangements of these songs. The raw sound of musicians in a room playing together. Tony Dekker has a soft introspective quality to his voice. It caused me to listen even more carefully then I would have otherwise.

I first listened to this album in audio form then went to the bands website and watched the videos of the session. I recommend doing both.

The First on the First.

Singing You To Sleep But Giving You Nightmares
-The Wreckids

I had to choose this album to be first on my new blog. It's so awesome. The Wreckids are an amazing duo from Pittsburgh PA.

This album is honest. It speaks to me through humor and intellect. The melodies are catchy and leave you asking for more.

Can't wait to see them live.