As summer comes to an end, I feel it's appropriate to give a listen to 'Great Summer' by Vance Joy. The song was featured in the 2015 movie 'Paper Towns.' The song is exclusively on the soundtrack, as opposed to any of Joy's albums. While of very melancholy sound, I hope this song inspires you to move forward into the coming fall.

This week I received multiple great recommendations from some friends, of songs and bands I had never heard of. Here's a small comprehensive list of stuff to definitely check out! 1. Cowboy Hat by Sea Ghost A self-proclaimed 'ghost-pop' band, Sea Ghost features what sounds like a glockenspiel and singer Carter Sutherland's trembling melancholic lyrics. Think elements of Neutral Milk Hotel. 2. Dry Lips by  Dúné I have a close friend who lives in Denmark, outside of Copenhagen, and these next recommendations are from her. More alt-electric rock than indie pop, Dúné are a Danish band who sing in English. The energetic group is big on synthesizers! 3. København by Ulige Numre Ulige Numre, meaning 'odd numbers' in Danish, are a hipster-pop band. Lead singer and guitarist Carl Emil Petersen sings exclusively in Danish, but the catchy melodies and strong instrumentation makes the feelings expressed by the group easy to understand in any language.

To clarify after the last blog post, a harmonium is the same thing as a pump organ.

A new album is out today by River Whyless, a four-person folk-pop band with great harmony and a unique blend featuring violin, harmonium, cello, banjo, and more. The new music can be heard on NPR's 'First Listen,' here: http://www.npr.org/2016/08/18/489789246/first-listen-river-whyless-we-all-the-light

I was lucky enough to see Cereus Bright open for The Oh Hellos in November, and their debut album has been long awaited. Forming in 2011, the band has had a couple of strong folk-rock EPs, and the album, 'Excuses,' has all the desired elements. Soothing harmonic vocals, strong electric guitar and bass lines, and Evan Ford's mandolin to make the group truly unique. Check out their song "River Run":

The soundtrack for the upcoming animated movie, 'Kubo and the Two Strings,' is being released today! It is featuring a cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles, done by one of my all-time favorites, Regina Spektor. Spektor makes a point of differentiating from the original, most obviously by not including guitar. You can hear the song on Rolling Stone: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-regina-spektors-while-my-guitar-gently-weeps-cover-w432964 And, you can listen to the entire album on both Rolling Stone and Spotify.

Ever heard of Saint Motel? Well, now you've gotta. The California band, founded in 2007 (thanks Spotify!) is incredibly peppy. Just listen to Cold Cold Man:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Of3jUuQzH2o I will bet it's the best piano sequence you will hear today.

How great is this??? Being a fan of both Andrew Bird AND Chris Thile, I find this performance deeply satisfying. Roma Fade  is on Bird's newest album, "Are You Serious." The chord sequencing is delightful, and Thile's harmonies and energy add to the masterpiece. Bird adds whistling towards the middle bit, which is a lively touch of his usual flair.

Freak of Nature  by Broods " Love made do crazy things Loving life turned me insane Love shoots the pain through my veins Loving life turned me insane And maybe it's beautiful Ma ybe it's beautiful." Despite photo quality not doing justice, I was fortunate enough to see Broods perform at the 930 Club this week, with Jarryd James opening. Before Freak of Nature  begins, vocalist Georgia Nott tells the audience that this song means a lot to her. She voices her hope that at least one person in the crowded, standing-room-only venue will feel what she wants to express. Nott's passion is shown through the phrases on love, and from watching her fiery performance, anyone could see that she would do anything for love.