Words by Conor Mason

Photo: Armellodie Records

I stumbled upon a Conor Mason song entitled Standstill by chance on Hype Machine and instantly fell in love. For some reason, I couldn't find the track on YouTube but found other tracks including the one featured in this entry. Words is without a doubt, one of the best songs I've heard in a while. It's refreshing, melodic, emotional and everything else I look for in a song. It starts off slow and melodramatic then suddenly, it throws you off with a lighthearted, country-sounding chorus. After the chorus, it leaves you curious as to what will happen next. The beat that comes after is a nice surprise, and the bridge is just beautiful. Not to mention, his voice sounds like a gentle whisper. It's so soft and soothing, as if he was lulling me to sleep. Goodness me, this man is amazing. I've only heard Words, Standstill and one other track called Misunderstood but I'm already sold. The songs are part of his newly released album, Standstill. It was released last March under Armellodie Records and is actually his third album. Also, Conor Mason is apparently Irish which I could not tell from the songs I've heard so far. Sounded more like he came from the US, maybe because I hear bits of country in some parts of his songs. In any case, I'm absolutely blown away. Listen to the song and tell me I'm right. Haha! Enjoy! 

Beach Holiday by Fort Lean

Photo: Facebook.com/fortlean

At first glance, Fort Lean looks like a washed up heavy metal band with a vocalist whose hair looks rather unwashed. I honestly had no intentions of searching them on YouTube. I suppose you can say it was the hair. I wondered if there was anything more unique about the band aside from the hair. Not surprisingly, the answer to that is a big fat YES.  I've only listened to three of their songs, but I swear, this band will go places. I'm so happy to be proven wrong (though I still don't think he washes his hair). Beach Holiday is genius. It's catchy and upbeat with just the right depth and the right dose of emotion. It's happy but not really, which almost never happens in a song I would think. Checked the lyrics and found out that I was hearing sarcasm all along. I called it right. The song's about a beach holiday from the perspective of a sadist. I think I love them even more now. And if that doesn't make you curious enough to play the video, I don't know what will. If you feel like listening to more Fort Lean, I would recommend High Definition and Sunsick. Enjoy! :)

Myth by Beach House

Photo: Pieter M Van Hattem / NME

I fell in love with Beach House when I first heard Walk in the Park. Victoria Legrand is absolutely gorgeous and her voice is just so unique. Not to mention, her style is smashing. She can wear anything and look amazing. Anyway, their last album called "Teen Dream" was released in early 2010 so inevitably I was ecstatic to find out that they recently released a new track through their official website. It's called Myth and it is divine. I really love it. Give it a listen and let me know what you think! :)

First Track

Finally got myself to start blogging again. This day marks the end of my long blogging hiatus. So sorry to leave you both hanging, manicfire and lostinlunacy. It was high time for me to move on. Let me start this off by introducing myself. My name is Jackie Mañago and I have a burning passion for music. It's just always been such a huge part of my life. My dad's definitely to thank for that. He owns over a thousand CDs ranging from classical music to jazz to electronica. I grew up listening to The Bee Gees, James Taylor, The Beatles, Madonna and even Pat Metheny because of him. When I was 12, I taught myself how to play the guitar. I can only read chords and well, I can't say I'm that good at it. I like singing. I write songs as well, though not very often. I've always wanted to be in a band, and this year I finally made that dream come true. One thing off my bucket list and with the birth of this blog, I can check another thing off! Cheers! :)