The Soundtrack Of My Life's Top 25 Albums Of 2014

25. Kylie Minogue - Kiss Me Once

24. Neon Trees - Pop Psychology

23. Haunted Hearts - Initiation
22. Paloma Faith - A Perfect Contradiction

21. Spoon - They Want My Soul
20. 2NE1 - Crush

19. Beck - Morning Phase

18. Röyksopp & Robyn - Do It Again

17. The Drums - Encyclopedia

16. Dum Dum Girls - Too True

15. Kiesza - Sound Of A Woman

14. RAC - Strangers

13. Taylor Swift - 1989

12. Lykke Li - I Never Learn

11. Bleachers - Strange Desire

10. Betty Who - Take Me When You Go

9. Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence

8. Karen O - Crush Songs 

7. Trust - Joyland

 

6. La Roux - Trouble In Paradise

5. Imogen Heap - Sparks

4. Banks - Goddess

3. St. Vincent - St. Vincent

2. Tori Amos - Unrepentant Geraldines

1. Beyoncé - Beyoncé

Imogen Heap - The Listening Chair

Sparks officially has a release date!  Imogen Heap's upcoming album has seen its fair share of release dates that never were and behind the scenes label issues, but Imogen recently decided to drop the label completely and release the album on August 18, via her own Megaphonic Records.

"The Listening Chair" began as a sort of social project involving an egg-shaped chair that would record video messages from its inhabitants.  Imogen took the chair to different locations across the map and asked "what is the song that still needs to be written?".  Quite some time, and loads of video messages later, a song was created.

I must say, "The Listening Chair" is the most exciting song I've heard from The Heap in quite a while.  Her past singles were fantastic as well, but this one is just that amazing.  It's her life story, all in a five and a half minute song.  The music video completes the concept, as Imogen takes a tour of her past and present.  Notice the cameo appearances from her previous albums!

Sparks is available for pre-order in a variety of formats including the standard CD, deluxe CD, and double LP.  There's also the ultimate box set, for the most dedicated fan.

Imogen Heap - Me The Machine

It's beyond amazing to finally hear a new song from Imogen Heap's upcoming record, Sparks.  The album's release date is currently pending due to some kind of contract issues, so we can only hope for the best, but Imogen's long awaited "glove song" has arrived.  Heavily featuring the work of her Mi.Mu Gloves, "Me The Machine" has been teased endlessly.  With such a large build-up, it could've easily disappointed, and I may be a bit biased when it comes to the Heap, but this was so worth the wait.

Sparks will be out later this year.  For more information about the album, you can visit Immi's website.

Imogen Heap - You Know Where To Find Me

Imogen Heap has unveiled "You Know Where To Find Me", the next step in her always growing Heapsong adventure.  This song serves as another milestone in a series of various projects that will form her upcoming album, presumably titled Heapsongs.  She started this Heapsong journey last year and you can learn more about it here.

The new track was previewed for the first time during Imogen's stay at A Room For London earlier this year.  The song is now finally complete with a music video and everything.  The video features Imogen playing a spectrum of pianos located across Edinburgh.  For more information on the pianos used during the creation of the video, including some insight directly from the artist, check out this map.

I may be a bit biased due to my general tendency to love everything she releases, but "You Know Where To Find Me" is one of my favorite pieces to come out of the Heapsong project so far.  The song showcases both the piano side and the electronic production side of Imogen's music.  You can download the track in a variety of formats here and watch the video below.

Imogen Heap - Xizi She Knows

Heapsong number five has arrived!  Imogen Heap continues her one song at a time recording process with "Xizi She Knows" and there's a music video, too.  This single hit the internet on the 24th and illustrates her six week visit to Hangzhou, China.  The footage seen in the video is part of a soon to be released documentary film about Imogen's stay at Hangzhou.  Filled with regional sounds and instruments, you can hear the city's influence on the track.  Check out the video below.

For more information on the origin and formation of "Xizi She Knows", you can visit the #heapsong5 minisite.  To download a variety of "Xizi" packages in different formats, look over here.

Imogen Heap - Propeller Seeds

Imogen Heap just released part two of her Heapsong adventure.  The quirky songstress is releasing her fourth album in a most unusual way of creating one track from the record every three months.  The first track, "Lifeline", proved to be a good start to the project with hundreds of fans submitting sounds, stories, and artwork to be used within the single.  Single number two is "Propeller Seeds" and the accompanying video matches the song's organic atmosphere perfectly.  The lyrical melodies call back to Speak For Yourself, while the instrumental style is closer to Ellipse.  The song is in "3D Sound" and headphones are truly the optimal listening experience.

You can purchase the song in various formats and bundles on Imogen's website. Check out the video for "Propeller Seeds" below...

Imogen Heap - Propeller Seeds from Imogen Heap on Vimeo.

Imogen Heap: Live At The Warner Theatre In Washington DC

On May 29, 2010, Imogen Heap played at the Warner Theatre in Washington DC as part of the sixth leg of her Ellipse tour.  Ellipse, her third album, saw commercial success in 2009 reaching #5 on the US Billboard charts.  The album was later nominated for multiple Grammys, giving Ellipse the title of "Best Engineered Non-Classical Album".  Imogen Heap is known for her use of technology and unique instruments to create one of a kind electronic music.  When I got tickets on the day before the show, I knew I was in for a treat.

The show didn't focus on only her newest album, Ellipse.  Imogen played a range of songs from all of her albums including her work in the electronic duo, Frou Frou.  The set started with "The Walk", from Speak For Yourself.  It was an amazing opener, and started the show on a high note.  She then continued with a block of songs from Ellipse including "Swoon", "First Train Home", and "Wait It Out".  The majority of Ellipse was heard.  It was also great to see her play a select few from her debut album, I Megaphone.

For every show on this leg of the tour, Imogen is playing a completely improvised song.  She asked the crowd what key the song should be in and whether it should be fast or slow.  After much debate from the audience, she wound up playing a very melodic ambient piece based on the piano.  After every show, the improv piece will be available as a charity download.  Here's a list off the current available downloads. The proceeds will go to a local organization.

In between songs, Imogen talked with the audience and explained the stories behind each song.  The crowd participation was at an all time high during "Just For Now".  She separated the entire venue into three sections and had each one sing part of her layered voices from the recording.  This performance used no music at all, only Imogen and the choir-like audience.

Loops were a major element of the performance.  Imogen would record her voice, or any other instrument or obscure sound, and loop it on repeat.  She would continue doing this until she had an entire band, consisting only of her own doings, behind her.  Watching her during this process was incredibly fascinating.

One of the many highlights of the show was "Tidal".  Imogen explained that it was her absolute favorite song to perform live, and now I know why.  The song took full advantage of the stage lights, creating a more "rock concert" feel.  She ended the song with an extended keytar solo.  After "Tidal", the band left the stage and she played two more songs.  "The Moment I Said It" and "Hide And Seek" closed the show.  During "Hide And Seek", she asked once again for the crowd's participation for the bridge of the song.  Once she finished the final song, she took a bow and the show ended.

Imogen is an extremely active artist on Twitter.  When I read a tweet on the social networking site that she frequently talks to fans after the show, I knew I had to wait for her.  After the show, I waited behind the venue at the stage exit.  I waited for about an hour when she came out and talked with the fans.  She signed my Ellipse shirt and stayed for some pictures.  It was an unbelievable experience, and she was as kind as you could ever imagine.

The concert was even better than I could have expected.  The setlist was nearly twenty songs, and the opening acts Ben Christophers and Geese, both part of her band, were great.  If Imogen Heap ever comes to your city, I strongly recommend you go see her.  The show will make you sing, dance, and even laugh.  You can go here for a list of upcoming tour dates.

Playlist - Lady Gaga, Imogen Heap, & more

Here's a playlist of some albums I listened to lately.  I've kind of had an overflow of music lately, so I'm getting around to listening to all of it.  They were all released within the last few years, some older than others.  Also, you should check out this remix of "Steady As She Goes" by The Raconteurs and "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga.  It's really cool...

Lady Gaga - The Fame

I just bought this album.  I know, I'm a little late.  Anyways, this album is great.  It's filled with catchy synth-pop songs with the exception of track twelve, Brown Eyes, a piano ballad.  It has all of the radio hits that you already know.  Other highlights include Beautiful, Dirty, Rich, The Fame, Brown Eyes, and Boys Boys Boys.  There really isn't a filler song.

Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself

This is Imogen's second album.  It contains the unique song, Hide And Seek.  It's a very solid electronic album, but I think I prefer her newest album, Ellipse.  If you're a fan, then you've probably heard this album by now.  If you're new to her music, don't overlook this album.  Highlights include Headlock, Goodnight And Go, Just For Now, and Hide And Seek.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Don't You Fake It

I've only listened to this album once or twice so far.  It's pretty good, solid pop-punk.  There's a lot more screaming than I expected.  I'm not sure if that's good or not, it depends on your personal taste.  Highlights include False Pretense, Damn Regret, Your Guardian Angel, Face Down, and Grim Goodbye.

Gwen Stefani - Love. Angel. Music. Baby

Very strange.  That's how I feel about a lot of the songs.  It's a very bubbly album.  Songs such as Bubble Pop Electric and Harajuku Girls are... unique.  I really like some of the other songs, though.  It's a hit or miss album in the end.  Highlights include What You Waiting For? and Cool.

52nd Grammy Awards Preview

Well, tonight's the night.  The famed Grammy Awards are taking place this evening.  With a slew of awards to give out and plenty of performances, it's sure to be an exciting event.  The one question that everyone's asking is, "Who will win Album Of The Year?".  This year, most of the major categories consist of the same artists.  Lady GaGa, Beyonce, and Taylor Swift are all nominated for the three biggies (Album Of The Year, Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year).  The major competition will be between those three artists.  Hopefully, there won't be a "Kanye" moment.

Who do you want to win an award?  Personally, I hope that Paramore, Imogen Heap, and The Ting Tings win where they're nominated.  As for the three main awards, I would like to see Lady GaGa win something, but Taylor Swift will probably win them all.  Leave a comment telling me who you would like to win...

I'll be tweeting throughout the entire show, commenting on whatever performances or upsets happen.  You can follow me here.  Also, look for a recap post tomorrow.  May the best music win...

New Playlist

Once again, it's time for another one of my awesome music playlists. In case you didn't see my last few, two to be exact, this is basically just a list of music I'm listening to. But now, I have an official poster for it (look to the left)! Some of it might be new and some may be old. No restrictions at all. Maybe you should try listening to some of it, or all of it. Previous playlists have included artists such as The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Paramore, All Time Low, Bon Iver, Regina Spektor, and the list could go on and on forever. Anyway, that's enough explaining, here's the awesome music playlist.

The Clash - The Singles

Here's an album I picked up about a week ago. It's a compilation album of the Clash's singles. From hits such as London Calling and Rock The Casbah to some songs I had never heard (Hitsville U.K.?). The CD ranges from the punk side to the poppy side of the band. I'm really enjoying White Riot and Clash City Rockers. The album even came in an eco-friendly case, if you care about that sorta thing...

Imogen Heap - Ellipse

I've already been praising this album. If you read my review, you'll know this by now. I'm still listening to it every day. I've found that Tidal and Between Sheets have become some of my favorites on the disc. The thing that really catches my attention is all of the layers in every song. It takes several listens to catch every sound.

Now that I have the albums out of the way, here's some singles...

Yeah Yeah Yeah's - Heads Will Roll
Almost as awesome as Zero. Strange lyrics, though ("Off with your head - Dance 'till you're dead").

IAMX - My Secret Friend (feat. Imogen Heap)
If you enjoyed the Imogen Heap album, then you should check out this song. It's off of IAMX's album Kingdom Of Welcome Addiction. It's a cool song with an awesome beat. Plus, it's featuring Imogen. There's kind of an eerie feeling to it, but in a good way...

She And Him - Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want
This song is from the (500) Days Of Summer soundtrack. I honestly have never seen the movie and have no idea what the movie is about, but the song is good. It's really short and simple. She And Him is a duo made up of actress Zooey Deschanel and musician M. Ward. The song is actually a cover of The Smiths song by the same title.

...and that wraps up another awesome music playlist. Hopefully, you'll like some of the stuff I listed. It's a fairly varied list. It has some punk, electronic, alternative, and uh... whatever She And Him is considered (Maybe indie pop, leave a comment if you know).

Imogen Heap - Ellipse

On the 24th/25th of August (region specific dates), Imogen Heap will release her third solo album. Ellipse is the Grammy-nominated artist's follow up to Speak For Yourself, which gained success through the song Hide and Seek. You may also know of this English singer from her work as half of the electronic duo Frou Frou. In this post, I'll take a look at Ellipse in its entirety, a week before its release, and tell you if it's worth listening to.

Heap's music has always been hard to classify. Some may say it's electronic, but it isn't all computerized beats. Her music still contains real musical instruments, I mean she is a classically trained pianist...

The first single, and opening song is First Train Home. It's a strong opener and gives the listener a good feeling for the rest of the album. Most of her songs are very ambient and atmospheric. Piano and various orchestrated instruments fill the majority of the songs, but the main attraction is Imogen's voice. Her voice is an instrument in itself. Many harmonies consist of bum-bums, oohs, ahhs, and hisses instead of musical instruments. With the different tones and distortions on her voice, she creates a signature sound. Once you hear her unique voice, you'll most likely recognize it immediately on any other occasion.

There are definitely some stand-out tracks among others. Wait It Out is one song that stuck out the most. The song builds up from a quiet ballad with a chime-like melody to full blown "Imogen Heap electronic beat", and back down again. The Fire is a piano instrumental, complete with a fire crackling in the distance. It's very calm and mysterious at the same time. There isn't really a "filler" track on this album. Each song adds its own touch and plays an important part.

I highly suggest listening to this album in its entirety, but if you only download a couple songs, then pick these...

• Wait It Out
• Little Bird
• First Train Home
• Aha!
• Half Life

As I said, if you have the chance, then listen to the album as a whole. Each song on Ellipse is beautifully composed in its own way, and connect the album. If you follow Imogen Heap's music, you will not be disappointed. If you're unfamiliar with Imogen, then you should still give it a try. I know I'm going to pick up a copy when it's released...

Listen to the album before it's released... http://imogenheap.com/ellipse/