Watch the Throne

Jay-Z and Kanye West

And update number 2 this week is not only a lot different than my first update, but it is different than the other music I have discussed thus far.  This week, I have really been getting into Jay-Z and Kanye West's new album entitled Watch the Throne.  I think that they are both two talented artists, of course they are both talented in different ways, in my opinion.  The collaboration on the album seems to really grab the attention and keep you wanting more, or at least that's what it did for me.  It seemed like every song on the album, although they had they similarities, were very differing as well.  This made it easy to listen to the CD on repeat. More than once.

Watch the Throne album cover

It's hard to pick just a few songs to share with you, but I'll try and choose the one's I think would sound the best on a daily playlist.  The duo seems to intertwine their rap/"singing" skills with a combo of dub-step, instrumentals, and various other artists, but I don't think much of it is overdone.  It's something different this year, and it's something I'm really digging.  Throw this album onto a workout playlist for an extra boost of confidence.
Otis
 Gotta Have It
No Church In the Wild (probably my favorite song on the album as of right now!)

Double Whammy!

In an effort to make up for my lack of an update last week, I will be hitting you with a double whammy of music for your playlists.  First off this week is going to be Wookiefoot.  The group is able to produce solid sound with good vibrations while dancing around the stage with strobe lights and glow-in-the-dark paint all over their bodies.  Honestly, the first time I saw them in concert it was a lot to take in, but overall it was one of the better shows I've been to so far.  The guys will be making their appearance at quite a few festivals this summer, so gear up!
The first time I saw Wookiefoot was at a show in Ames with Jon Wayne and the Pain; together they created a show that was well worth the drive and the money.  The bands often do shows and festivals together like Shangri-La, Project Earth, and Snowball (which is understandable with their similar sound and style).  I would say they are different than a lot of the main stream stuff that's out there right now, so if you're willing to expand your music library, I would suggest giving them a try. (:
Home Free
Be Fearless and Play
Overboard (One of my favorites; Jon Wayne and the Pain often plays this song in honor of Wookiefoot, or with them at a show)

Pretty Lights

Pretty Lights Show

Derek Smith

Although I'm a bit early, I have already begun preparing myself for the upcoming festival season.  The line-ups for shows this year happen to be just in time for a personal graduation present.  One of the bands that will be playing at many of the shows I'm planning on attending is Pretty Lights.
You may normally find me "slamming" on dub-step music, but this guy really does something for me.  The group consists of solo dub-stepper, Derek Smith.  The way he collaborates sounds and overlap prerecorded music is really interesting and always keeps me wanting to hear more.  Even though his songs tend to run on the long side, it's sometimes hard for me to decipher which songs are together and which are separate.  I like this, because it means I can listen to the song all the way through without getting bored of it or find it too repetitious.  Here's a question for you: who doesn't like free stuff? Pretty Lights actually posts all of his albums on the personal site (found above) where you can download them for free! If you would like to donate, however, it is always appreciated and a nice way to show support for the things they do. (: The one-man band is fantastic, both recorded and live so open  your mind and give him a listen!
I Know the Truth
Make You Feel
Finally Moving

The Black Keys

El Camino album cover

Let's just say it's been one beautiful week so far in Iowa.  For some reason the weather seems to effect my music mood.  Needless to say, this week has been all about beautiful sounds.  I've been really into the Black Keys this week, specifically their most recent album: El Camino.  There is such a combination of sounds and rhythms on the album, it's easy to listen through multiple times and not get sick of it.  I had heard of them before, but never really gave them much of a listen until this album dropped.  It's a newer sound, and something I really dig.  The two man group is heavy and electric, yet inviting.  Honestly it's hard to explain without listening to.

Black Keys performing

Because this group is newer to me, I have not seen them in concert yet.  However I just learned this week that they will be at Coachella this year.  For those of you interested in live music, festivals are definitely a good scene to check out.  I have a group of friends known as the "Whomp Family" that travels the country going to festivals (which I recently became a part of) and Coachella may very well be one of our next adventures.
Enjoy the Black Keys and let your festival planning begin!
Lonely Boy
Dead and Gone
Little Black Submarines