So here I am writing about music again. Today it’s about the good finds I got out of one of the Indie Rock Playlists for April, which provided some of my music for May and June. Before anything else, though, let me warn you that my musical mood recently is greatly affected by the rainy weather, so most of these songs are good background music to walking in–or just staring out into—the rain.

I Woke Up Today – Port O’Brien

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Okay, remember what I just said about these songs being for the rain? Forget that for a second, because this song is for sunny, happy, energetic days. Haha! I’ve been listening to this song while preparing for work, mostly because it helps me wake up and puts a smile on my face. Port O’Brien, as I discovered sometime after learning about the band, generally has that sound that you can pop into your player on mornings to jumpstart your day. Like I said, sunny-happy.

Train Song – Feist and Ben Gibbard

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Let me say this now: Ben Gibbard is love. But don’t think that this is just like Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie. Train Song is a bit more on the folk side, I think. And the lyrics, ARGH the lyrics. And I love the sound of Feist’s voice, combined Gibbard’s simple singing (no belting and melody-curling) is just ear-candy.

Boats and Birds – Gregory and the Hawk

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Metaphors. Selfless love. A beautiful song. Period.

As the Little Things Go – The Appleseed Cast

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Okay. Many people know that even though I like rock, I’m not so much of a fan of “RAWKKKKKK!!!” type of rock. But it seems to me (and correct me if I’m wrong here) that The Appleseed Cast is that kind of band. Regardless of that, though, I love this number right here.

As the Little Things Go is an 8-minute instrumental piece that’s perfect for—you guessed it—walking in the rain and thinking about things. It starts with a simple electric guitar riff fading into your ears before a drum beat joins it, along with soft yet soaring keyboards. I think they’re just using a simple chord progression throughout the whole song, until it suddenly pauses in the middle, and then picks up to a climax. Love it, love it.

The Girl – City and Colour

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There’s something about songs or stories about separated people that appeal to me. I don’t really know why. (If you know me well enough, you’ve probably noticed this, too.) The Girl is one of those songs. The singer is singing to a girl far away and promises her that he’s still hers. Now, let’s hear a collective “Awwww”.

This song, though, is especially interesting to me because of its music. The song has three parts—and I don’t really know why it has three parts; that’s the most curious thing about it—and I think it’s supposed to let you interpret the song in any way you want to. I think. Or something like that. I already made several possible back stories for the song. Heeeeeee.

Him Poe Poe – Efterklang

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Another semi-instrumental song with very short, and almost inaudible lyrics. A wordplay on, “All the words they’re singing out, tell the birds to bring it out of the world…” repeats for a few seconds before giving way to the string section. Love it.

Signed I Wish You Well – Helios

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“Another lazy day, rainy day, stay home day.” He had me at the first line of lyrics.

Little Bird – Scott Matthew

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I like listening to this one when I’m in bed waiting to fall asleep. It has music box properties, and if you tilt your head and squint, it *is* a happy song as the singer says. Scott Matthew’s somewhat hoarse voice, along with the choice of instruments (or lack thereof) makes great bedtime music.

So yey. Music recs for the month. Any recommendations you have for me?

[Except you, Paolo, hold the recommendations. Ang dami ko pang utang sa yo. Haha!]