#10 The Submarines // You, Me and the Bourgeoisie

Concerning the commercial theme introduced in Lena’s last post, I think iPod and iPhone ads have brought us some of the catchiest tunes in ad history. And once again I’m struck by the beauty of a song chosen for some iPhone application ad. The Submarines’ You, Me and the Bourgeoisie is full of that vibrant energy that helps me get up in the morning. Yet there’s a little sadness to it that makes it real enough to fall in love with it. Possibly my favourite song this spring.

#9 Todd Hannigan // Thicker than water

Once again I fall for a song featured on a stupid tv commercial! I don’t know what it is, but I’ve got a thing for songs with acoustic guitars and a soft deep voice!

Myspace

#8 Elbow // Running to stand still

I fell in love with this song ever since Ewan McGregor sang it on “Long Way Round”.
This is equally beautiful, very quiet and slow. You can find it on the new War Child album, which has got lots more to offer, e.g. a Clash cover by Lily Allen. Full track list can be found here.

#7 Julia Nunes

Julia Nunes (say: Noooooons) is one of my favourite youtube artists. Possibly one of the cutest, if not the cutest.Her original songs make me smile and cry at the same time; that’s how much I’m moved by them. Her covers are quite unique and impressive. I love how she edits her videos and how she features her friends in many of them. The video posted below is “Maybe I will” and surely one of her most awesome. Please make sure to check out her youtube account as well as her myspace. <3

And a beautiful Counting Crows cover: Accidentally in Love

#6 Passion Pit // Sleepyhead

Quite different from what I’ve been listening to latey and therefor really refreshing! It’s a bit crazy and “loud”, but it gets me into a good mood. Someone said it’s like having rainbows being thrown at you. That’s one way to put it! Look out for them in 2009!

Myspace

#5 Kate Micucci

Some of you might have noticed this little lady on Scrubs the last couple of episodes as Ted’s girlfriend. As I have just found out she is one busy bee – she’s a part-time actress, released a CD with kid songs and happens to be a sandcastle artist on top of it all. Said kid songs though are actually so adorable that people of any age will enjoy then. The most loveable Ukulele player since Julia Nunes.

Visit her homepage: www.katemicucci.com

#4 Frank Turner // Reasons Not To Be An Idiot

So why are you sat at home?
You’re not designed to be alone
You just got used to saying “no”
So get up and get down and get outside
Cos it’s a lovely sunny day
But you hide yourself away
You’ve only got yourself to blame
Get up and get down and get outside

Frank Turner – Reasons Not ToBe An Idiot

People have been going on about him for a while and even if I try to avoid hyped artists for as long as possible: They’re right about Frank Turner. Now, admittedly, I haven’t heard much aside from this and the other song below, but it really gets your hopes up for more in regards of lovely melodies and witty lyrics. We should all keep an eye open for this promising young (haha) artist.

Bonus: I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous

#3 Slumdog Millionaire // Danny Boyle

Nominated for an endless amount of Oscars and if you ask me, it should win every single one of them. I watched it twice so far and the second time was even better. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a colourful, moving and unique film!
“Slumdog Millionaire” is a about a boy from the slums, who participates in the Indian version of “Who wants to be a Millionaire”. Nobody believes that an uneducated orphan can know so much and he gets arrested under suspicion of cheating. The movie takes you on a journey through his life, while he explains how he knows the answers to every question. It’s rough and dark at times, it may make you cry (happened to me more than once), but in the end you’ll feel nothing but happiness.

One of my favorite scenes from the movie (doesn’t spoil you):

The movie’s soundtrack is nominated as well and you can listen to it here!

Also of interest: The movie is based on the book “Q and A” by Vikas Swarup. I just bought it and can’t wait to start reading, since it’s received nothing but praise.

#2 Phoenix // Too Young

A while ago, when I fell back in love with Lost In Translation, I noticed this song and somehow it’s turned into the soundtrack of my days ever since. The video is rubbish and I haven’t decided yet whether it’s the rubbish or the brilliant kind of that, but either way the song is beautiful and makes you feel.. well, it makes you feel.

I can’t lie on my bed without thinking I was wrong
But when that feeling calls this world becomes another
Nighttime won’t hold me in your arms again
I got a very good friend who says he can’t believe the love I give
Is not enough to end your fears
I guess I couldn’t live without the things
that made my life what it is

myspace.com/phoenix

#1 Greg Laswell // How the day sounds

Although his songs get played on a lot of tv shows (e.g. Grey’s Anatomy), I don’t feel like he’s getting the recognition he deserves. Some people compare him to early Coldplay, but that’s just lazy. I call this comfort music.

Extra bonus: Girls just wanna have fun (Live)

myspace.com/greglaswell