The Morning After

stolen without a gun from Summer Stewart's facebook profile.

Four songs that I am having a near religious experience enjoying today.  3 of which come from Esquire magazine?  SWA? I know right… they listed my boys in Walk The Moon as the “song of the summer” on their list of 30 Summer Songs for Men.

But I want to start my adventure closer to Victoria.  Our May Band of the Month was a gentleman named Mike Edel.  His song “Bottom Floor Apartment,” despite being similarly titled to Weeping Tile’s “Basement Apt.,” is such a pretty song.

Some songs resonate with Zoners, some don’t… this one never really grabbed on. Maybe Mike just needs more time.  Too bad, such a lovely, romantic song.

Mike Edel – “Bottom Floor Apartment”

I heard this brother/sister duo one time and all I could do was shut-it and listen.  As deep as this is… the only word that blasts in my head like a cartoony onomatopoeia is “BOOM!”

The group is called The Belle Brigade.   The LA duo sound so lush and in sync.  Weirds me out like watching the Sedins play hockey with the sibling ESP.

I listen to this song on repeat.  The lyrics start off all depressing, “there will always be someone better than you…” but then gets mighty uplifting.  Its about opting out. Like that speech Lloyd Dobler gives in the ’89 film Say Anything: “I don’t want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don’t want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don’t want to do that. ”

The Belle Brigade – “Losers”

I’m a sucker for hipster girls.  No getting around that.  Jessica Lea Mayfield.  The name already has me gushing and I haven’t even heard a note.

This Ohio native began performing at 8 touring in her family’s band.  She began writing her own music after her brother taught her some chords… and cites Dave Grohl as a major influence.  Alright Jessica, I’ll bite.

Have a listen to this jangle… “suddenly I can see blue skies again”

Jessica Lea Mayfield – “Blue Skies Again”

Finally, something sexy for the DJ sets at the Veneto.  Back in the olden days you might recall a group called Booker T. and the MGs?

Booker T. Jones is a musical legend earning both a Grammy lifetime achievement award and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

He is still jamming out music and his new record, The Road to Memphis, features a slinky ditty called “Progress” featuring Jim James.  I don’t know if oldies radio station play modern oldies?  I wonder if there is a home for music like this in the year 2011 on the radio.  It would be a crime if there isn’t…  When Madelyn asks me how babies are made, I’ll sit her down and say, ” listen to this.”

Booker T. Jones – “Progress”

Go with yourself.