Pete Murray – You Sing I Write

What Are Your Favorite Albums and Songs of 2008?

I know all the music bloggers and magazines have been writing about their favorite albums, songs and moments of 2008, but instead of reading another journalist’s massive “best of” list for 2008, I’m more curious to know YOUR favorites. Was there an album you continually had on repeat in your car or your iTunes play list? What song could you absolutely not get out of your head no matter how hard you tried? What about your least favorite song you seemingly couldn’t escape from wherever you went — be it your drive to work, shopping at the mall or at your favorite bar? I’d love to read your “best of” lists! Plus, it’ll give me some new music to listen to as I ring in 2009!

Below, I’ll post some of the music I’ve featured on my blog this year — hinting at 10 of my favorites to give you some possibilities of new music to check out for yourself. Take a listen. I think you’ll enjoy them as well.

Brent Shuttleworth‘s video for “When I Reach California” below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT-MlVxQcoc]

Joshua Radin – “I’d Rather Be With You” listen here.

Jason Reeves – “You In A Song.” For Windows click here, for Quicktime click here.

Brett Dennen‘s music video for “Make You Crazy” featuring Mandy Moore below.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F58TfYHqLak]

Passenger – “Night Vision Binoculars” check out here.

Pete Murray performing “Opportunity” live below with John Mayer or check out the music video here.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynnKd18eCJU]

Serena Ryder – “Brand New Love” here. For Windows users you can listen here.

Sia performing on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. For Windows. For Quicktime.

Theresa Andersson‘s video for “Birds Fly Away” recorded live in her kitchen.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMXqn42AykM]

Lastly, Ray LaMontagne‘s “You Are the Best Thing.” You can listen to it here for Windows Media or here for Quicktime if you haven’t yet.

What do you think? Can’t wait to read your lists! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Artist of the Week: Pete Murray

My friend Deana recommended Australian singer-songwriter Pete Murray to me after she studied in Australia and constantly heard his music playing while she was there. She said I’d love him since I’m a fan of most acoustic singer-songwriters, and I definitely can’t help but repeatedly listen to his MySpace page while at work, especially his song “Opportunity.” I think an accurate comparison could be calling Pete Murray the Australian John Mayer.

When listening to his MySpace, there’s a blend of soft singing and acoustic guitar playing as well as the occasional harmonica feature, exhibited in his song “Saving Grace.” Murray’s voice is mellow and mixes well with the various musical interludes. Whether it be piano, guitar or strings, Pete’s voice sounds strikingly perfect throughout.

“You Pick Me Up” demonstrates the laid-back feel to Murray’s music. It’s faster than first track, “Saving Grace” but his voice is still ever so gentle and tuneful. “Better Days” and “So Beautiful,” both somewhat somber songs, the listener can easily hear the pain behind the lyrics and meaning encompassing the song.

I absolutely LOVE his song, “Opportunity.” The lyrics have so much meaning and it’s one of those songs that just hit you. I don’t do this often, but I’m posting the video and full lyrics below. I hope you like it just as much as I do.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbCuvsFMSyE]

“Opportunity”

Verse 1:
So it goes another lonely day
You’re saving time but you’re miles away
Your flowers drowning in some bitter tea
Forseeing lost opportunity
Find your mirror
Go and look inside
See the talent you always hide
Don’t go kid yourself, well not today
Satisfaction’s not far away

Chorus:
Hold on now, your exit’s here
It’s waiting just for you
Don’t pause too long
It’s fading now
It’s ending all too soon you’ll see
Soon you’ll see

Verse 2:
Your coffee’s warm but your milk is sour
Life is short but you’re here to flower
Dream yourself along another day
Never miss opportunity
Don’t be scared of what you cannot see
Your only fear is possibility
Never wonder what the hell went wrong
Your second chance may never come along

(Chorus)

(Music)

(Chorus)

Soon you’ll see
Soon you’ll see
Soon you’ll see
Soon you’ll see