I Know July is Over, But Oh Well: Playlist

Hey jamsters! 

So, let's dive into July's (early August's) playlist, shall we? My usual mixes of new and old, keepin' it fresh and bold. ;)

(NOTE to Readers: You do NOT know the world of music until you hear it through Beats headphones. This is NOT an advertisement, just some friendly advice.) 

10) Friendly Fires - Hurting

Starting us off with a blast from the past, this song was actually discovered accidentally by my youngest cousin and I while looking at Vines, and I tell ya, the best discoveries are the accidental ones. (like Penicillin!) This video is oddly HILARIOUS which makes it a fabulous Honorable Mention for best videos this month. 

9) Britney Spears - Til it's Gone

I know I talked about beautiful Britney in the last blog post and I'm not gonna stop just yet! Her new album Britney Jean just grabbed me again with this song. 

8) Keira Knightley - Coming Up Roses (Begin Again Motion Picture Original Soundtrack)

Okay, I've always been a big movie buff, but I do NOT always like romantic dramas or rom-coms and I especially don't always like it when movies try to incorporate music in artificial, uncomfortable ways. But this movie, Begin Again, took my breath away. Not only is the story-line imaginative, easy to follow, deep and meaningful, but the music is AWESOME! Now, don't get me wrong, I know that Keira Knightley is NOT the best singer, and many may argue that they should have cast a popular vocal artist in her role, but to her defense, I doubt anyone else would have been able to capture the emotion she did throughout this gem of a film. It was not going to be my first choice to catch at the theater, but I'm so glad I did. Here's just one of my fave hits from the film and there will be more below. 

7) Keira Knightley - Lost Stars (Begin Again Motion Picture Original Soundtrack)

Another essential song to the film, this song does a great job of presenting the conflicts between the main characters. There's also the Adam Levine version, but this version is the better one, hands down. 

6) Grimes - Vanessa

Again, Grimes is another thing that I was NOT initially a big fan of. But my bestie Maribel got me into her and this is one of her great singles. 

5) Grimes - Genesis

While still on the subject of Grimes, this is probably the one song that made me like her most as it reluctantly got stuck in my head for an entire week! This video is also playful and whimsical in nature, a style I was hesitant to like, at first, but I have to admit that it's grown on me. It's a shame she isn't more well known, but hopefully this blog post will get her some more fans. The underground artists always tend to be my favorite ones, not that I'm a hipster like that or anything.  .  . 

4) Keira Knightley - Like a Fool (Begin Again Motion Picture Original Soundtrack)

This song, I think, is definitely one of the best in the film. Keira Knightly captures so much feeling here in her performance of this track. Especially in this particular scene of the film, it's something you really just have to see to believe and appreciate. 

3) Keira Knightley - Tell Me if You Wanna Go Home [Rooftop Mix featuring Hailee Steinfeld]  (Begin Again Motion Picture Original Soundtrack)

Gosh, there are just sooo many reasons to love Begin Again! This is my FAVORITE song from the film. Listen for the wicked guitar solo towards the end of the track and be sure to watch for this song's appearance in the film. The beauty of it really lies not only within the instrumentation and vibe of the musical arrangement, but in the fact that the lyrics really do an amazing job of summarizing the film and illuminating its message and spirit. I have listened to this song endlessly on repeat. I LOVE it! <3

2) Megan Trainor - All About That Bass

FINALLY! A song that celebrates the bigger girls! Every song nowadays, especially in the pop and hip-hop spheres as well as the media, only appreciates the thinly framed ladies. But this song is for the thick chicks! This jam is just so fun, bubbly, sassy and upbeat, and its video gets another Honorable Mention. My friend and pseudopartner Crystal turned me on to this one and I'm sooo glad she did! =D

And, drum roll please.  .  . 

1) Sia - Chandelier

This video fills me with awe. I am simply flabbergasted by the sheer complexity of the intricate dance put on by the astonishingly talented 11 year old Maddie Ziegler and the pronounced vocal strength of Sia! It's creepy, alluring, perplexing and brilliant which makes it an un-debatable recipient for the title Video of the Month. Check it OUT! (and if you think it's good, also see Sia's remarkable live performance on the Ellen Degeneres show) 

Peace out my fellow music junkies!