Sound Bites 7/07: New songs from Mumford and Sons

Mumford & Sons, the incredibly versatile folk rock band that took the pop music world by a storm last year with "Little Lion Man" (an epic song to run to) and "The Cave," are back with a new song "Home." Click here to check it out.

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"Home" is kind of beautiful and romantic, isn't it? I'm really digging this new song. Kudos to Tarik at 88Nine Radio Milwaukee for sharing this earlier today.

Here's a link to a video of Mumford & Sons performing another new song, "In the Wake." Let me know what you think of these songs!

Sound Bites 6/30: New music from Wilco, The Rapture, Bandana Splits

I'm trying out a new feature for ye olde blog, aptly titled "Sound Bites." Please let me know your thoughts! 


Sound Bites 6/30: Here's the scoop on three new songs, be sure to click on the links to go and take a free listen to each. 

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The Rapture: "How Deep Is Your Love?" 
This track has an infectious, steady piano riff, is highly danceable and has a gratuitous saxophone solo. Therefore, I kinda love it. I'm calling it now, 2011 is the year of the sexy sax. 
Their forthcoming album In the Grace of Your Love, will be in stores September 6.
Source: Pitchfork.com

This press photo was taken in an elevator in the theater I work in, and use every day! G'ah!

Wilco: "I Might"
I love Wilco. I love Wilco. That is all. Go listen to this new song, it will make you feel good. 
Their new album This Whole Love is due out this fall.
Source: SeizureChicken.com (holla to a Milwaukee-based blog!)

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The Bandana Splits: "Sometimes"
If you dig the vintage-y sound of Zooey Deschanel's voice in She & Him, and miss girl groups, the Bandana Splits are for you. These girls sound pitch-perfect, and I love the old-school instrumentals as well. Plus, aren't they adorable? 
Their album drops on August 16.
Source: My Old Kentucky Blog

Music to my ears

Hello, friends - Happy Monday to you and if you're in the Midwest, Happy Blizzard Watching. 


I thought today it would be fun to go a bit off the beaten path from my typical posts, and share something fun: music. There are some great new albums around, here are a few that are on my radar.

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Bright Eyes, The People's Key, in stores Feb. 15
I've liked this artist for years and was stoked to hear that a new album was finally in the works. NPR's Robin Hilton proclaimed "This is the best record Bright Eyes has ever made. In fact, it's the best record the band's frontman, Conor Oberst, has ever been a part of. Publicists like to say as much any time an artist releases a new album, but in this case, it's actually true... a career-defining work of art." Decide for yourself - you can stream the whole shebang for free here (NPR Music). 

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Adele, 21, in stores Feb. 22

I've been in love with Adele's voice since her 2008 performance on SNL. She's a new school diva, with the pipes and the chops to go the distance. My local stations have been playing "Rolling in the Deep" (watch / listen here) and it's been an equal favorite at my desk and on the treadmill. Since I can't sneak off to the UK to buy her album now, I suppose I'll have to hold out until Feb. 22nd when it becomes available stateside. 

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Amos Lee, Mission Bell, in stores now
We've had Amos a couple times at my workplace, and he'll be back this spring. You may have seen him perform "Windows Are Rolled Down" last week on Ellen (watch / listen here). This breezy track evokes the sensation of cruising along a highway on a summer road trip. Exactly the kinda song I need to distract me from the frozen tundra reality of Milwaukee!

What new music are you into lately?

First CONTEST ever - Cory Chisel CD giveaway!

Yup, that's right - my first ever GIVEAWAY here at Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness!

Wow... is all I have to say. I am listening to the new album from Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons, and it's pretty great.

This post falls into the 'Happiness' category of my blog name. As you know, music is a big part of my life - I am pretty involved with it career-wise, and first and foremost, as a fan. Every now and then, I will post about musical artists or new album releases to keep you in the know :-)

Cory Chisel is a Wisconsin artist who has grown quite a bit over the past few years. His new album was produced by Joe Chiccarelli, who is known for his work with The Shins and The White Stripes. I've seen Cory & the Sons perform countless times at our venues, and he has this unique, soulful and smooth voice. An incredible musician. I couldn't be more proud that as a Wisconsin artist, he is finally getting the respect and exposure he deserves in the national spotlight!

Most importantly - he will be performing LIVE tonight on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon! How's that for awesome? Do me a favor and please check it out tonight.

And now, what you've all been waiting for - the first ever GIVEAWAY!!!

I am going to buy one of you Cory's new CD, Death Won't Send a Letter. This contest is in no way endorsed by anyone or any company, I just personally think this artist is so great that one of you deserves to check him out on my dime!

Here's how to enter:

1. Click here to preview the CD.

2. Leave a comment on this blog post, about which track you like the best and why

ie, I really love "So Wrong for Me" - very relatable!

3. Earn an extra entry by posting about this on your own blog (do another comment here with your link, or send me an email @ laura.r.mueller@gmail.com to give me the heads up)

Sound good? Entries will be accepted until Monday 10/12 at 6PM CDT. Good luck!

Cheers,

~Laura

Hear N' Aid and Bear Naked

If you need a laugh... then you need to check out this video.

Ridiculous. Just about all of my favorite hair metal bands are featured here.

The official song and video of ROCKtober, people!

In other news... tried out a delicious new treat today from Bear Naked - a 'pure & natural grain-ola bar' in the 'tropical fruit' flavor.

I received this free sample after signing up on their website a couple weeks ago. I am a huge fan of BN granola cereal, and was pretty excited to try a bar product.

HOLY MOLY... this is tasty. It tasted sweet and citrusy, with sunny grains and just a hint of coconut flavor. The texture is very soft and light.

3g protein, 7g fat (2g saturated), 18g sugar, 4g fiber. Oh yeah and 220 calories. Not too shabby - I'd buy this!

To the endurance athletes out there, I think this would make a great mid-workout or recovery snack. There are lots of different fried fruits, and the bar has honey, maple syrup, tapioca syrup, etc. for a natural energy boost.

Just bought some new music:

I And Love And You - The Avett Brothers

The Resistance - Muse

What have you guys been listening to lately? Any favorite new artists? Any new favorites from old artists?