My Favorites of 2011: Music

I am a list person, so I always love this time of year when all of the best-of-the-year lists come out. I thought I would share with you my own little compilation of favorites from 2011, beginning with music.

This year, upon the release of Bon Iver's new self-titled album, I became obsessed. And then I saw him perform live and it was hands down one of the best shows that I have ever seen. Kathleen Edwards, who he is apparently dating, opened for him and she blew me away. I got goosebumps while listening to her, she is that amazing. She has a new album coming out in January, and I highly recommend you check it out, especially the track, Change the Sheets.

I'm not going to lie, I am a rather big fan of Ryan Gosling (for his acting skills, obviously) so I kind of blindly went to see Drive, without watching any previews. I had heard good things about it and the movie was getting decent reviews so I figured, why not? Big mistake. It was quite possibly one of the most terrifying movies I have ever seen! I don't do very well with anything scary or intense and this was a lot of both. However, it was rather well done and there was not much dialogue throughout the film, more of a showing rather than telling story, which I enjoyed except for when I was hiding behind my scarf (basically the entire 2nd half of the film). The music in the film is fantastic, made up of primarily musical scores by Cliff Martinez. I can't get enough of track #3, A Real Hero by College featuring Electric Youth.

I stumbled upon the Swedish band Little Dragon through NPR, and I am glad that I did. Ritual Union is the name of their newest release and my favorite track on the album. A nice new musical discovery for 2011!

Up next: Favorite Recipes of 2011

Inspired by the 80's

Photo by the Sartorialist

Image from UrbanOutfitters.com

I am kind of loving the 80's sunglasses paired with loud, colorful prints on shirts and dresses trend. I was inspired by the colors and music to create this sketch. Say what you want, but I loved Starship back in the day, and I still kind of do. Yup, I am a child of the 80's!

Happy Sunday!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! It's finally sunny here and I have spent my weekend drinking coffee, driving on back country roads, antiquing and visiting apple orchards. All in all, pretty perfect. Someone posted a link to this video yesterday on Twitter and it just kind of sums up that perfect weekend feeling. Love the imagery and the music, The Kings of Convenience album, with this song, comes out on Tuesday (if you like Iron and Wine, their sound is similar).

On My Ipod

My favorite new (new to me!) albums are from Cut//Copy. Oh my goodness, is this some good stuff! In Ghost Colours and Bright Like Neon Love are two albums worth checking out. Seriously. The tunes are very upbeat and quite dance-worthy. It's a good thing my cube is away from most everything at work because it would be embarrassing to get busted bopping around like I was...

Song to try: Strangers in the Wind on In Ghost Colours. Fantastic!

Speaking of great music, last weekend we saw Solid Gold at the Turf and tonight it's Halloween Alaska at First Ave. Two of my favorite bands at two of my most favorite venues. Does it get any better? I think not!