Tag: Sia

“Sister Wife” by Alex Winston

The first thing I have to write is that I keep thinking that I have a friend named Alex Winston. Then I remember that I don’t. :/

Anyway, before I research her beyond the little blurb on Neon Gold Records‘ blog, I want to give my initial response to her song “Sister Wife.”

Alex Winston’s voice made me think of Ke$ha. I don’t mean that in a bad way either. (I know that Ke$ha doesn’t necessarily have the best reputation in the music world, and even less so in the indie music world.) It’s just that Alex Winston’s voice has that high-pitched, staccato sound that also gives her a 1999-2001 European electro, semi-trip hop (but not low and breathy enough) feel. Essentially, when I don’t think of Ke$ha, I think of various European singers such as Sia.

Like Ellie Goulding, Alex Winston has that electropop + an occasional acoustic guitar riff style.

“Sister Wife” is an airy electropop-based ballad toward Winston’s competitor for an object of affection. The heavy use of bass and floor tom beats is balanced out by the cloud of tinkering piano notes combined with stronger chord loops, the barely audible guitar riff repetition, and Winston’s high-pitched voice.

Going beyond my “First Listen” notes, here’s a few bits about her from her Wikipedia page :

Apparently, despite the very European feel of her song and voice, she’s actually from Michigan. Also, she’s working with the Knocks, a pretty big name production team that, when not making their own songs such as “Make It Better,” does tons of remixes!

I can’t wait to see her perform at SXSW this year!

Take a listen here: http://www.myspace.com/AlexWinston

Lana Del Rey “Diet Mtn Dew”

There are many reasons I like “Diet Mtn Dew” by Lana Del Rey.  First of all, the sound is a mixture of Sneaker Pimps’s trip-hop style, Sia‘s fullness, and Mozella‘s soul.

Another reason I like this song is that it mentions NYC.  I mean, I kind of have a soft spot for New York.  However, that aspect of my listening habits is for another blog post.

Anyway, “Diet Mtn Dew” is one of those songs you can play during a lazy Sunday afternoon while lounging on your couch with the window open a few inches to let the white linen curtains softly flutter.  It’s relaxing.  Just keep your tea next to you on the coffee table.  Yes, that mod Ethan Allen coffee table.  You’re just sitting there in your Banana Republic blouse that’s a shade between soft yellow and barely green.  Lips parted slightly like you’re Scarlett Johansson.

That’s how you listen to this song.

http://www.myspace.com/lizzygrant

Here is a Youtube video for the song.  I’d rather link you guys directly to Lana Del Rey’s site for music.  However, I’m not sure if her Myspace page has “Diet Mtn Dew” because the music player is not showing up completely.