Submarine Symphonika- The Submarines

The Submarines consists of the romantic duo John Dragonetti and Blake Hazard. Some of their songs were used on iPod commercials, such as this one and "You, Me and the Bourgeoisie." The Submarines are known for their saccharine harmonies and melodies the two produce together. They entrance listeners through their mellow tunes using sounds created from the uses of tambourines, guitar, drums and their soft, exquisite voices.

I'm not gonna teach your boyfriend how to dance with you- Black Kids

Although the lyrics hardly make any sense, this song will surely leave a catchy tune in your head all day long with it's energetic rhythms ringing throughout your ears. Performed by a band called The Black Kids, their hit song "I'm not gonna teach your boyfriend how to dance with you." will definitely leave you in a hyper mood if you enjoy the beats to it. The Black Kids are mainly known for their indie pop style and as a synth-pop indie band. If you enjoyed this song of theirs, I recommend giving your ears a new listen to their other songs "Hit the Heartbrakes" and "Hurricane Jane."

king of carrot flowers pt. 1: Neutral milk hotel

Only a short two minutes long, Neutral Milk Hotel is able to create a simple yet sweet tune in "King of Carrot Flowers pt. 1," complete with accordion and and upbeat guitar strumming. Like most of their other songs on the band's two full-length albums, this song couldn't be complete without bizarre, poetic lyrics, like, "how you built a tower tumbling through the trees, in holy rattlesnakes that fell all around your feet." These four young guys are able to entrance and beckon a diverse audience through unique instrumentals, descriptive phrasing, and pleasing melodies.

Sunset Blvd.-Pacific!

With the choices of either soft tunes or upbeat electro notes, Pacific! brings entertainment throughout their diverse sounds. Since the holidays are coming up, their song "Sunset Blvd." is almost like a Christmas song although it wasn't really meant to be one. However, it's a song you can add into your winter playlist to keep that warm holiday feeling.

Jocasta: Noah and the Whale

No matter what mood you thought you were in, turn on some Noah and the Whale, and you're guaranteed at least some foot-tapping. This feel-good indie folk band from London sings on a variety of topics, including teenage love, dreams vs. reality, or in "Jocasta", even the Greek legend of Oedipus. Regardless of the topic, their upbeat melodies, male/female harmonies, and helpful usage of clapping and whistling create an addictive album, that's nearly impossible to dislike.

The Listening - Lights

Though Owl City fans will doubtlessly label Lights a "female Owl City", her Canadian fans already label Owl City as a "female Lights". With flawless vocals and spacey, aurora like instrumentation, Lights creates her own distinct niche in the musical ecology while still maintaining her electronic and pop references. Check her out!

The Title Track - The Fold

I'm not gonna lie. I've really, really missed listening to super contagious, pop/alt/rock. Hailing from Chicago, The Fold proves that catchy synthesizer melodies and guiltless and clean harmonies still produce an easy listen, singalongable track. This song hooked me with the blatantly optimistic and blindly inspirational lyrics. Have a fun listen!

I Feel It All: Feist

Known mainly for her song "1, 2, 3, 4" from the iTunes commercial, the 33 year-old canadian singer has three albums, her most recent called The Reminder. A mellow CD with thirteen great songs one after the other, "I Feel It All" is an upbeat tune about taking the risk of experiencing life even though it may hurt. Besides writing her own songs, Feist also takes turns playing piano, banjo, and guitar on each of her albums. Her sweet voice, soft vocals, and optimistic melodies are perfect when you're taking time to relax.

Green Grass of Tunnel- Múm

A band all the way from Iceland, múm brings us traditional compositions mixed together with experimental sounds to create modern music. Soothing yet entertaining, múm’s colorful Icelandic beats will lead you into tranquility. “Green Grass of Tunnel” starts off with a slow intro then it slowly travels into a gentle melody filled with angelic vocals.

M79- Vampire Weekend

This indie-rock band will pump you up through their animated songs. Most of their songs are full of life and are really easy to dance to. Your foot will probably be tapping because of their jumpy beats the band creates. Their fun, quirky song “M79” will give a fresh breath of excitement and relaxation if you’re having a bad day.

Crash Into The Sun - Jim White

I really have no idea how I came across this song, but it's in my library and it sure has got some groove. For this one, try listening to it whilst standing up and dancing. It's always more fun that way.

Heretics- Andrew Bird

Using remarkable sounds created through the uses of the violin and guitar, Bird slowly opens life for your ears. He is known for producing soft-toned compositions made by his sweet, charming voice that intertwine with his instruments. His songs are influenced by jazz, the blues, folk and swing tunes. The lyrics from “Heretics” are quite catchy and Bird expresses a little bit of enthusiasm and sorrow throughout the song.

Here Comes Your Man: Meaghan Smith

With the happy-go-lucky sound of the 50s, Meaghan Smith's bright and cheerful voice create a relaxing, carefree feeling in her listeners. "Here Comes Your Man" is a remake of the classic by the Pixies, and although at first glance it seems to be a song about anticipation, in reality, the hidden meaning is talking about nuclear weapons. Despite it's serious tone, it's disguised by pop guitar and electric keyboard.

Gimme Sympathy: Metric

One listen to "Gimme Sympathy" 's catchy chorus and easy to learn lyrics, and you'll be hooked. Mixing pop sounds with so upbeat me techno tempos, each song contains its own possessing quality, and on repeat, the album goes by quickly. Vocalist Emily Haynes has a unique mature voice, but pulls off the band's pop rock sound well. With primarily fast, energetic songs, Metric is great for going out with pals and singing along to a blasting stereo.

Electric Bird- Sia

Is your heart melting? Well it's probably just a side effect created by Sia's voice. Mesmerizing and soulful, Sia's voice carries a soft yet vivid tone that brings your thoughts into a sweet dreamland. Her music is like a cup of tea---it relaxes you after each sip, and in this case, her voice relaxes your mind as the soft melodies flow elegantly through your ears. Her song "Electric Bird" will surely leave you in a serene atmosphere.

For the Girl: the Fratellis

At a first listen you may think you're taking a step back in time. Nope, that's just the Fratellis- three young Scots that created a garage rock band with some 80s punk thrown in at times. With a few popular songs, an ipod commercial, and a couple of British music awards under their belts, this band has invented an original sound, with a foundation in the style of Elvis Costello (hence the title of their first full length album, Costello Music). No matter what kind of mood you were once in, turn up some Fratelli tunes and you're guaranteed high spirits and a desire to kick off your shoes and dance.

Elephant Gun- Beirut

Beirut (Zack Condon) is an young indie artist that creates sounds through the influence of Balkan music. This folk artist creates a harmony fit for any individual's ears that are dying for a new taste of indie-folk music. Beirut usually creates songs using the ukulele and trumpet like in his EP "Elephant Gun". Click the button, sit back, and relax as Beirut's voice slowly takes you into a trance of sweet melodies.

Eyeless in Holloway: Johnny Flynn and the Sussex Wit

Barely past the age of 20, and young singer-songwriter Johnny Flynn has the voice and sound of a musician twice his age. He and his band, the Sussex Wit, have been active for almost 4 years, playing a folk-rock sound with the help of banjo and violin among other instruments. Johnny's mature and unique voice blend with the soft blues tones, with clever and optimistic lyrics to match.

Myspace Girl - The Afters

I love it when bands don't take themselves too seriously. And this is possibly the epitome of a tongue-in-cheek love song. Myspace Girl is the true story of how their former bass player found love in the drive through. It's a carefree, guiltless, though slightly awkward, love song. Enjoy the prancing piano and the catchy guitar riffs!

Die, Die, Die: the Avett Brothers

This folk- bluegrass trio from North Carolina specializes in mellow tunes with rad banjo solos and perfectly fitting harmony. With a similar sound to Wilco, mixed with some Buddy Holly, they have a reputation for putting on energetic and passionate shows. DIfferent from some of they're more cheerful tunes, "Die, die, die" tells of the hopelessness of a young girl. You'd never realize how sad it was though after being entranced by their soulful voices.

Coney Island: Good Old War

Good Old War of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a folksy acoustic band that plays upbeat songs that can get stuck in your head all day. Whenever you're blue, give them a listen and they're quick, lively guitar and melodic voices will pick you up. In "Coney Island", the three men croon about the feelings of home and wanting to be back when they're on the road.

Being Your Walls - Armor For Sleep

Being your Walls is a song off of Armor For Sleep's first album, Dream to Make Believe. The song has a nice dreamy feel to it, so much, you could almost fall asleep. But don't! This song is vocal and guitar driven, though not hard rock. Take a listen! See if you like The Walls of sound Armor for Sleep makes!

At the Hop - Devendra Banhart

Devendra Banhart is a freak folk musician who blends different instruments with worldy influences. He puts a lot of emotion into everything he does and it's heard through his quivering voice. Banhart is known for his nature inspired lyrics and anti-war sentiments. "At the Hop" is a sweet song about not wanting to leave someone special behind.

Bourgeois Shangri-La - Miss Li

Yeah. It's that song from that iPod Nano commercial. It's a nice quirky tune with fun vocals and whimsical lyrics. However, the instrumentation is my favorite part. Check it out guys!! And buy Apple.

Delicate - Damien Rice

Time for another vocal driven, heart wrenching, acoustic piece. Delicate is a powerfully raw, painfully desolate, dynamically diverse ballad. Though it seems small and quiet, I'd take care when turning your volume up all the way. Rice doesn't hesitate to shout out his desperate and depressed lyrics as the music comes to its climax. Check it out!

PS. You may need to wait a few seconds before you hear the song. Don't give up!

Dumpster Diving - Castledoor

Castledoor is a six-piece indie pop ensemble that delivers catchy songs filled with emotion and depth. The band not only looks incredibly stylish, but also puts on a great show. Lead singer, Nate Cole, puts all his energy into singing soulful lyrics and making erratic movements that engage the audience. They use all of the instruments you'd expect to find in a traditional rock band but also include a piano, xylophone, synthesizer, and occasionally the autoharp and glockenspiel as well, making their music sound a little more eclectic.

Again - Flyleaf

Again is the first single from Flyleaf's upcoming sophomore album Memento Mori, a latin phrase meaning "remember you will die." Again is thick and layered with heavy guitars and crashing drums. Lead singer Lacey Mosley's lyrics nicely compliment her desperate and emotional vocals. Check it out!

When She's Near - Family Fiction

In all regards, this should be a bad love song. It contains no eloquent lyrics for girls to swoon over. It boasts a modest, not even remotely catchy, melody. The singer's voice is neither smooth nor flattering. Yet, When She's Near is an enjoyable and memorable experience. It's an uncommon ode that describes a strangely routine though incredibly romantic feeling we all seem to take for granted.

Everything'll Be Alright - Joshua Radin

Time for a feel-good song. Why? I don't know. Just cuz.

Here's a little taste of Joshua Radin and his acoustics. He kinda sounds like Jon Forman (Switchfoot) or Jack Johnson. Check him out.

6 Underground - Sneaker Pimps

Ok, I'm here.

Ahhhhh.

Now back to work.

I go through musical moods. Sometimes I'm into jazz. Sometimes I'm into rock. Sometimes all I'll do is sit in my room and listen to Counting Crows for hours and hours. Over the summer, I got into a Jack Johnson/Pearl Jam/Jimi Henxrix/Nirvana groove. Unfortunately, I never posted over the summer, so you missed that entirely and now I'm back into electronica again. That's right. I went full circle and you missed the good parts. Sorry.

Here I have two versions of the same song. First is 6 Underground by Sneaker Pimps. It's smooth, flowing, and has a nice pleasant beat to bob your head to (that's what I do O_o). The second is it's Perfecto remix. It's got a little more substance to it with added vocals backed by an electric guitar. Try them out and see which one you like better.

Forget And Not Slow Down - Relient K

If you're not familiar with Relient K, get familiar with them.  Forget And Not Slow Down is their title track and first single from their new album coming out next month, October 6th.  It's an optimistic and positive response to when life gives you a wake up kick in the butt.  I'm loving the tight harmonies and the acoustic base.  Check it out!

Tane Mahuta - The Ruby Suns

Aloha barons! To get you ready for the dance tonight, here's Tane Mahuta, which means "the father of the forest." This song by New Zealand natives, The Ruby Suns, has a sweet vibe that makes it feel like summer all year long.

Sunshine - Matt Costa

Huntington Beach local Matt Costa brings a laid back, summertime tune to the table with sweet lyrics and an impossible to resist melody in his hit "Sunshine." Expect a cool-guy acoustic jam in the same vein as Jack Johnson, which is appropriate considering Matt Costa is in the acoustic god's own record label. Enjoy the last of the sunshine Barons! Fall is on its way!

Rock 'N' Roll High School - Ramones

hello everyone, welcome back to school :)

Turning On - The Citizen Vein

Before he amazed the nation on American Idol, Adam Lambert was the lead singer of a band called The Citizen Vein. He obviously knew how to control his wide vocal range from the start and demonstrated his versatility in the single, "Turning On."

Fun, Fun, Fun - The Beach Boys

Happy Summer Barons!!

A Melody, The Memory - Mae

I've been getting into a little bit of techno lately. This was probably my transition song. A little bit of indie mixed with some nice techno beats. Check it out. I take that back. Check Mae out. They're really good. 3 more days! Good luck on finals!

Sinner (feat. Scott Russo) - Big B

Dude! I bought a hip-hop/rap song! I heard this on the radio and then had to look up some lyrics to find out what it was. I really like it cuz it makes me think of summer vacation. Er, not that I spend my summer getting thrown in jail for drugs and alcohol. Yeah. That doesn't happen.

Four more days!

Goodbye - Audio Adrenaline

Au revoir.  Sayônara.  Adios.  Farewell.

Dear Seniors, see you later. =]

Sweet Dream - Greg Laswell

A nice short love song.  In fact, much too short.  I really want more.  Really, really want more.  Nice acoustic folk, with sweet lyrics and a catchy melody.  Check it out.

Praise You - Fatboy Slim

In honor of the graduating seniors, I present to you this upbeat celebration song about "the hard times and the good." Congrats, guys. We'll miss you. But you know what?
GO PARTY YOUR GUTS OUT
Cuz you guys deserve it. Crank up your speakers, cuz it's time to rock. Four years has come and gone, and now you've got the whole world waiting for you to come over and stomp on it. See you later, and be sure to keep in touch.
Enjoy.

We've come a long, long way together

Through the hard times and the good

I have to celebrate you, baby

I have to praise you like I should

Debussie - Daphne Loves Derby

Daphne Loves Derby harken a sweet and beautifully melodic sound.  With a minimalist and powerfully soft instrumentation, Daphne Loves Derby showcase their sad and quite contemplative lyrics, supplemented by Kenny Choi's breathy voice.  It's a nice, quiet song.  Enjoy!

Ain't No Rest For the Wicked (Wicked Devil Remix) - Cage The Elephant

I wasn't sure if I liked the original version of "Ain't No Rest For the Wicked" by Cage the Elephant or not. I was, y'know, kinda in-between. The lyrics are catchy, but I wasn't sure if I liked the sound. So I turned to Google to see if there were any remixes, and found this version. I have no idea who mixed it or even if it's an official remix, but I do know that I like it better. Try comparing this reggae version (above) with the original (below).

Hell is Around the Corner - Tricky

I've never really liked rap/hip-hop, so adding this to my library was a bit of an oddity for me. Following in the same trip-hop movement as Portishead and being born straight out of Massive Attack, Tricky is known for his dark, rich, and layered sound.

He's got a pretty interesting past. His father deserted his mother before he was born, and his mother committed suicide when he was four. He named his solo album after her and once said that though he hardly knew her, he feels like she's speaking through him with his words. When he was seventeen, he spent time in prison because he bought forged 50 euro notes from a friend, who later informed the police. In an interview, Tricky said, "Prison was really good. I'm never going back."

Crew Cut - Tijuana Panthers

Hailing from Long Beach, California, the Tijuana Panthers are a local trio that incorporate surf sounds and punk elements to create just right summer at night kind of music.

Smile On - Anthems

I don't know about you, but I watch a lot of TV. And every time that San Diego, tourism commercial comes on it drives me mad. It has a catchy, amateurish, happy-go-lucky soundtrack that took me months to find. But lucky for me, and you, I have finally found the song. With summer just around the corner and spirits running high, this song could not have come at a more perfect moment. Enjoy!

Pressing On - Relient K

Hey Barons! With just 20 days of school left, here's an anthem that keeps me going. It's a catchy, upbeat, with friendly and quite sing-a-longable lyrics. Hope it helps you too!

Wake Up - Arcade Fire

I'm not quite sure how popular Arcade Fire is. They are for sure an acquired taste. Wake Up, however, may be an exception. With a refreshingly eccentric instrumentation and a forceful and strong vocal section, Wake Up appears to be relatively unedited passion. Win Butler, the band's main song-writer, seems to have too many melodies for his lyrics to contain. Good thing too, I enjoy the short moments of music without words. Not to say the lyrics aren't excellent. In fact, they may be some of the most desperate, let down lyrics I've ever heard. Check it out!

The Night Starts Here - Stars

Half-trance, half-dance. It has a nice momentum.
Keep trucking with that STAR testing Barons!

Stars - Switchfoot

Yes. It's a clever pun. Zack thought of it. Haha.
Have fun at STAR testing Barons!

Everything's Not Lost - Coldplay

"Everything's Not Lost" is a song that I discovered after my little brother bought "Parachutes". After listening to it a few times, I got addicted to it. Unfortunately, this can sometimes kill a song for me. So now, after listening to it too many times in the past 48 hours, I've had enough of the song and it now requires temporary retirement. My advice to you: if you like a song, don't overplay it. Enjoy some retro Coldplay.