It may come as a surprise that when I listen to music in my spare time, I don't normally pop in the latest Classic Crime or Moneta album, I'll usually listen to one of the bands that I'm about to talk about. I've always been a sucker for anything acoustic (hello Brand New) and what some would consider too "mellow", but hey, if that's your bag, you will enjoy this Music Monday.

There is no way I can talk about all of the bands I love in this single blog post so I've narrowed it down to my top four bands and my favorite EP/LP that they've released.

1. Miniature Tigers - Black Magic EP
Key tracks: The Wolf, Vietnam

I don't remember how I came across this band but MT's Black Magic EP has been one of my most played records for years. I haven't done a whole lot of listening to their newer material but between the catchy hooks and bob-your-head beats that you'll find on this EP, it's extremely probable that you'll have at least one of the songs stuck in your head. This is an old MT song but here's the video for "The Wolf"; it's one of my favorites.



2. Margot & The Nuclear So and So's - The Dust Of Retreat
Key tracks: Skelton Key, Paper Kitten Nightmare, Bookworm

Let me preface this description by saying the song "Skelton Key" has some pretty creepy lyrics, and I think that is part of the band's charm. The imagery this band provides through the lyrics is some of the best I've come across and every time I listen to their songs, it gives me a different experience. The raw vocals on this album add to its creepiness, which keeps me coming back to listen to it almost weekly.



3. Lovedrug - Everything Starts Where It Ends
Key tracks: Thieving, Salt Of The Earth, Everything Starts Where It Ends

Gut-wrenching lyrics, subtle drumming, with swallowing guitar riffs and sensual vocals, if you're in need of a night of relaxation, put this record on. I have been listening to this album since its release in 2007 and it has remained on my top albums of all-time list the entire time. I get the chills every time I listen to the title track "Everything Starts Where It Ends".



4. O'Brother - Garden Window
Key tracks: Malum, Easy Talk, Last Breath

The best description I've ever heard of this band was "Explosions In The Sky... with words" and that couldn't be a truer statement. They brought the house down at Showbox Market when they played there with Thrice in November and that's when I fell in love with their music. This is music you will lose yourself in. Light some candles, fall back onto your bed, and just listen.