Bands I Love: Cast of “Nashville”
Whoever said the Bands I Love couldn’t be fictional characters? Exactly. I praised the cover of “If I Didn’t Know Better” a while back, and the show’s songs have continued to impress.
A sampling of favorites, courtesy of cleverly created YouTube channels:
“Wrong Song” – Juliette Barnes f. Rayna James
“No One Will Ever Love You” – Rayna James f. Deacon Claybourne
“Undermine” – Juliette Barnes f. Deacon Claybourne
Plus these guys:
- “I Will Fall” – Gunnar Scott & Scarlett O’Connor
- “Telescope” – Juliette Barnes
- “Buried Under” – Rayna James
Check out this week’s episode — the winter finale — to get yourself hooked too. “Nashville” airs Wednesdays on ABC at 10/9c.
Bands I Love: The Civil Wars
I used to pride myself on knowing the artist behind every song to cross my eardrums, but I totally slacked when I first heard “Poison & Wine” on a TV promo. I found its source (much later) to be The Civil Wars: a duo of singer-songwriters, Joy Williams and John Paul White.
The pair met in Nashville at a songwriters’ camp and ended up in the same room as random partners — what can only be described as country-music kismet. Their songs are genuine and complicated, with little acoustic backup, while the music and lyrics stand on their own.
It’s completely refreshing in a world of digitized music, and mega-celebs like Taylor Swift took notice quickly. Swift announced her appreciation for their sound — inspiring millions to tune in — and she collaborated with the duo for “The Hunger Games” soundtrack to create “Safe & Sound.”
Nominated for various awards last year, The Civil Wars finally struck gold at the 54th GRAMMY Awards, with Best Folk Album and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (neither televised). They also introduced Taylor before she performed there.
Other songs to check out from The Civil Wars:
The Civil Wars are wrapping up the American leg of their current tour, with the remainder of the year being spent in Europe.
Smooth and sultry, like a good whiskey.
Bands I Love: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Plain and simple, I’ve fallen in love with Alex Ebert, frontman for Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. His past is storied, but whose isn’t? The voice makes up for the beard, and I can’t seem to get enough of these songs.
“Home” is easily their best-known hit, and it’s been stuck on loop in my pretty little head for days. You may recognize it from various commercials, including this adorable contest-winning tot from a Hyundai spot.
Laugh until we think we’ll die …
I could gush about this song for days, so I’ll just stop myself there and save you all. Oh, except check out this awesome doormat for just $40! OK, that’s all.
Never could be sweeter than with you
Other favorite songs include:
- “Janglin” – Also featured in many commercials and on “Gossip Girl” (so scandalous).
- “Carries On” – This one is perfect right before bedtime … ahhh.
- “Truth” – Do you have the beat on loop in your head yet? No? Listen one more time.
- “40 Day Dream” – Eerie lyrics over an upbeat tune = perfection.
The band is currently recording their next album, so no new tour dates have been announced. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, though.
You’re welcome for putting at least two tracks into your mental jukebox.
Seriously, I can live with the beard.
Bands I Love: She & Him
I have a total girl crush on Zooey Deschanel from her roles in movies like “Elf” and “Failure to Launch” (literally, the only reason I dug the latter). But this quirky beauty has another side gig, among movies, a hit TV show, Cotton commercials and being the face of Rimmel: indie band She & Him.
Paired with guitarist M. Ward, Deschanel’s voice soars through both original and cover songs that will make you smile. She has contagious energy, and Him is a showman through and through.
Some of my favorite singles include:
- “I Put a Spell on You” (I was obsessed with “Hocus Pocus,” but that’s a separate discussion)
- “Me and You”
- “Dream a Little Dream of Me“
Grooving to these guys makes even the worst Case of the Mondays pretty bearable. They may even turn this Scrooge into a fan of Christmas music … maybe.
