My Soundtrack to Summer 2016

Summer's in Nashville are a combination of flower petal baths and dreamy nights listening to your favorite band play that song you've been waiting to hear all year at "Live on the Green", and or the casual heat stroke from that unnecessary hike you took with that one annoying friend you thought was absurd because they still listened to Nickelback... Either way, these were my Summer jams throughout the ups and downs of this heated summer. Enjoy !

1. Father John Misty - "I Love You, Honeybear"

This record HANDS down was the highlight of my summer... It's full of wild imagery, while also capturing a unique perspective on the self deprecating, yet rewarding feeling when two souls collide romantically. The man behind the record is J. Tillman. You may know him as the drummer of Fleet Foxes, or you may have been a fan when he was releasing music under his real name. Nonetheless, he has managed to keep us all completely entertained and convicted with every sarcastic word he sings. My personal favorites on this record, would have to be "I Went To The Store One Day" a love song I believe everyone will resonate with to some degree. "When You're Smiling And Astride Me" is quite honestly sonic BLISSSSSS! But, if you're looking for a song that will fit your every mood, take a listen to "I Love You, Honeybear" and "Chateau Lobby #4 (In C for Two Virgins)", They are most certainly the stand out tracks on this record. DISCLAIMER : If you are easily offended, and or don't understand the concept of sarcasm, I do not recommend giving this a listen. Just a little heads up! However, if you are not easily offended, you'll thoroughly enjoy these tracks, crafted so majestically. (I recommend driving with the windows down in the middle of nowhere to listen!!!!)

2. Rayland Baxter - "Imaginary Man"

I discovered this walking gem of a human at this years "Dylan Fest" at the Ryman! He humbly walked out on stage and floored me with his beautiful, soothing voice - I was instantly hooked! This record is full of sweet moments, perfect for a summer's day walk down a country road somewhere. I know he's locally based here in Nashville, so this album is very much infused with old western melodies and whimsical lyricism. I mean it quite literally when I say, He could make nails on a chalkboard sound good. He overall just has a beautiful tone. My favorite moments on this record would definitely have to be "Yellow Eyes", "Freaking Me Out" and "Mr. Rodriguez". Please, If you know what's good for you, check out this record.

3. Kree Harrison - "This Old Thing"

Let me just take a moment and freak out over this record... FEMALES IN COUNTRY MUSIC. Okay, okay, I know that Lighting 100 was spinning this and technically her genre is no longer commercial "Country" and she's now classified as more bluesy and soul.... But according to iTunes she's still enrolled under "Country". With that said, Kree, GET IT. This album has so many "drop the mic" moments. I remember first hearing "This Old Thing" on the way up to Nash for a meeting and my mouth just dropping at the pipes on this girl... You may remember her from being on American Idol a couple years ago - But to be completely real with you, She's anything but a reality/music star. She truly is gifted & it shows.

4. Ray LaMontagne - Ouroboros

Just when you thought Ray LaMontagne couldn't release another incredible/game-changing record, HE DOES. "Ouroboros" gives his debut record "Trouble" a real run for it's money! I never thought I would love a record as much as "Trouble" but... I do now (: Ray LaMontagne TRULY outdid himself with this Pink Floyd feel throughout this entire piece of sonic art. I really felt as if I was floating back to the late 60's or early 70's listening as young hippie at Woodstock. The record starts out very peaceful with track one being "Homecoming", which is a personal favorite of mine. The track last's for almost 9 minutes, then effortlessly fades into the prodigious fan favorite we all know as "Hey No Pressure"... I truly believe that generations will look back at this record like they do on "Dark Side of the Moon" or "Blond on Blond". He continues to create waves in the music industry challenging all concepts music professionals teach. With very little presence on social media and virtually no PR, this man's music speaks for itself without any extra noise. To me, that truly speaks volumes on his natural ability and talent to persuade people & make them feel something!

5. Maren Morris - Hero

If you needed another reason to like Country Music again, here it is. This record is just one giant hit. I literally can't even chose a song that's my favorite, it's just that good ! I am obsessed with Maren's voice and the careless attitude she has. I can't be that way, so I'm glad she does that for me, haha! Seriously, she makes me feel like such a bad booty (yes, I didn't say the other word, I know I'm a little prude). Being a female in Nashville, her record and overall success is very encouraging to me. I truly feel, this record is genuine to who she is, and that's why she's gotten such a wonderful response. I ain't lying when I say I completely fan-girl over this hot ladies music. If you haven't gotten the chance, just go buy this record and thank me later!

I really appreciate the fact that these people cared so much to not only make their records sonically pleasing and cohesive, but also have lyrics that speak into people's hearts. I have been touched in many ways by all these individual artist and personally think these records have the potential to stand the test of time... That is, if you and I keep listening - So stop what you're doing and go listen! GO GO GO!

With Love,

Carmen xx