Wednesday Morning Playlist

It's been a weird week so far, and it's only Wednesday. Yesterday our middle schoolers were wackier than usual, and had lots of questions ranging from "What's your last name?" to "How much do tattoos cost?" This might explain why this playlist is mostly atmospheric folk with random sing-along-friendly pop strewn about. Does that explain where my brain is right now?

1. Gregory Alan Isakov, That Sea, The Gambler
2. The Avett Brothers, Swept Away (Sentimental Version)
3. Sara Bareilles, King of Anything
4. You+Me, From A Closet In Norway (Oslo Blues)
5. James Vincent McMorrow, Red Dust
6. Sky Flying By, Irreplaceable
7. The Lumineers, Gun Song
8. Lennon & Maisy, Call Your Girlfriend
9. Gabrielle Aplin, Light Up The Dark
10. Gregory Alan Isakov, This Empty Northern Hemisphere

On YouTube - Wednesday AM Playlist: May 25, 2016

"Cleopatra," The Lumineers

The 2016 follow-up, "Cleopatra," to The Lumineers' self-titled debut LP has arrived. The radio and mainstream success of the folk/soul-rock band has allowed them to remain relevant after four years of little in the ways of new music. The mainstream acceptance of the band seems to be because of instead of in spite of Wesley Schultz's oddly beautiful, intimate lead vocals. This intimacy comes through across "Cleopatra," and still remains bright and energetic.

I mentioned on my first Wednesday Morning Playlist that I've been craving upbeat music lately. "Cleopatra," for all of its simplicity and fun has been fulfilling this need for me. Yet the wistfulness and poeticism that draws me to quiet indie rock and folk never wavers. The radio-friendly "Ophelia" is just the tip of the iceberg.

Don't miss: "Sleep on the Floor," "Angela," and one of my all-time favorites, finally released, "Gun Song"

Wednesday Morning Playlist

I thought I'd continue Michael's habit of posting a playlist on Wednesdays. Mostly because he had already started it, and Wednesday is my morning on the Reference Desk. Which was probably why he also posted on Wednesdays. Anyways, it's felt particularly Spring-like over the last few days which has prompted a desire for upbeat music during my commute.

1. Cold War Kids, Hospital Beds
2. The Civil Wars, I've Got This Friend
3. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, Home
4. Sia, Cheap Thrills
5. Taylor Swift, Style
6. The Weepies, Wild Boy
7. Jimmy Eat World, The Middle*
8. Alessia Cara, Wild Things
9. The Lumineers, Angela
10. Ben Gibbard, Carolina

*Because I, along with the rest of the internet, love Taylor's Apple Music ads. They've even made me consider subscribing to Apple Music. Almost, but not. I am a librarian after all.

On YouTube - Wednesday AM Playlist: April 20, 2016