We all have songs that conjure up memories like a personal soundtrack. The minute I hear one of these tunes I immediately go back in time and remember the event, place, people or feelings those songs bring up. Focusing on some happy and pivotal moments in my life and sharing my song list of memories to enjoy or hoop and holler at. Click on the pics for the tunes and see if your toe starts tapping. Wondering what songs made your favorite memories list ?

Next time you are traveling don’t be surprised if an indie pop band rocks out by the tarmac. The Seattle -Tacoma International Airport has developed a Music Initiative called Experience the City of Music. Audio broadcasts, video segments, and live bands will be playing at the airport showcasing the northwest region’s music culture. Famous musicians from Quincy Jones and Ray Charles to Death Cab for Cutie will be featured while many other local favorites will be reading the safety announcements over the PA system.

A Launch Party will be held throughout the airport this Saturday, January 28, 2012, from 3-7 p.m. Live music performances from Recess Monkey, Carrie Clark, Fly Moon Royalty and The Dusty 45’s will be performing while riders of Sound Transit’s Link light rail will also enjoy live music on the trains from downtown Seattle to the airport.  Who knew the next hip music venue would be the airport? Enjoy the city of sound next time you are flying around.

Every time I play this band’s music I  get asked “Who is this?” I love turning people onto new music, especially local bands and Roman Holiday does the job. Since 2008, this Seattle band is growing in rank with a polished sound distinctly similar to Coldplay with a guitar driven sound.  Touring internationally with a new album  Paint This Town  and first hit single  Fuel the Fire , this band is heading skyward. Songs like  The Long Way Home  and  Filthy Hands  are dynamic standouts with a polished combo of guitar, drums and vocal melodies that soar. Be sure to check out the drums and guitar riffs on  Filthy Hands  and you’ll hear what I’m talking about. Click on the images below and enjoy a little Roman Holiday.

Today’s theme song Settle Down comes from down under. 20 year old Australian artist Kimbra is putting her signature sound on the music scene with hits like Settle Down and Plain Gold Ring. Her debut album, Vows released in August 2011 is climbing the charts along with duets on hits like Somebody that I used to know with fellow Aussie, Gotye. Kimbra’s sound is a combination of Jazz great Nina Simone and Bjork, with crisp, clear tones and an edge distinctly her own. Check out Kimbra’s music below with a link to her videos on the images and add her to your play list pronto.

I’m hitting a curve ball and running full speed towards home plate. I might get a little tired and dirty, may even have to slide into base. When a curve ball comes you’ve got to hit it out of the park and not worry where it lands. Just know there will be surprises at every turn. Click on the images below for a few songs to consider when playing the game of life.

If you haven’t checked out The Head and the Heart, I recommend doing so live. Their Indie pop rock sound, great musicality and building rhythms draw you in and keep you there. Opening for Dave Matthews, the Decemberists and Death Cab for Cutie this past year and appearing on Conan and David Letterman has put the spotlight on the next big name from Seattle. Click on the picture below for a live performance of “Down in the valley” or a cool house party performance at Vimeo.com-  Enjoy!

Always on the lookout for a good tune and remembered a new favorite I heard while in New Mexico this summer by the Old Crow Medicine Show. I know I am late to the party with this song as it has been around since 2004 but “Wagon wheel” has won over another fan. One of Country music’s favorite sing along songs by band members with names like Critter and Ketch and a sound that’s pure folk and bluegrass to boot, Old Crow Medicine show has made a name for themselves on the Grand Ole Opry stage with tunes like this. Click on the picture below and enjoy an unfinished Bob Dylan tune completed by this band and come relive a past Wild West road trip with me while you’re at it.

Looking forward to another concert at Tree House Point with a band that is sure to get my feet stomping, the Black Lillies, the first independent artists from Knoxville, Tennessee to be featured on the Grand Ole Opry. ”Born in the rumbling cab of a stone truck and aged in the oak of Tennessee’s smoky night haunts” their story sets the stage for a great show with Multi instrumentalist and vocalist Cruz Contreras, electric guitar and pedal steel whiz Tom Pryor , drummer Jamie Cook, Bassist Robert Richards and vocalist Trisha Gene Brady. Playing favorites like “Two Hearts Down”, “Little Darlin” and “There’s only one”, it’ll be another magical night of music under the stars with these stars.

Thanks to  A.V Undercover, a new online music series where 25 bands cover 25 songs picked by staff and members, a new band has made it onto my top charts.  Wye Oak is an Indie rock band from Maryland whose name comes from the state’s tree. Jenn Wasner’s vocals and guitar with Andy Stack on drums and keyboard create a stirring sound that keeps you engaged and wanting more. I can’t sit still to ‘Civilian” and love the brooding vocals on “For prayer”. Forgetting that this is a two person band, their sound is much larger and commands attention with unique rhythms and vocals. Take a listen to Wye Oak below and if you are in Seattle on August 9th check them out at the Crocodile.  

While attending Seattle’s  U2 Concert this past weekend, 74,000 fans were singing, dancing and became “One” with the band. I met people who traveled all over the world to see U2- Dubai, London and from across the United States. I marveled not only for the band and concert itself which was amazing , but for the ability to gather many people and enjoy a show together. It occurred to me that our world really has more good in it than bad – the example of going to a rock concert is a small example of that. I realize there may have been some  discord but what I witnessed was a massive amount of people coming together and enjoying themselves. It doesn’t matter if you like U2 or concerts, take a look at any sporting or grand scale event and you will see the majority of people getting along. Well done U2 for uniting fans across the globe and for the work you do with your music to make our world a better place. What I saw this past Saturday night were 74,000 people just getting along.