Music for Every Beach Coast Mood

By Mallory Jindra

This time of year The Beach Coast can be unbearably cold, so having the right music to cozy up to is essential to your winter survival. We all have that favorite cd (or playlist) that we love to turn on while playing chef in the kitchen or drinking wine with friends. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a close friend or just need something new to jam to on the way to work, this season’s crop of new music releases doesn’t disappoint.

Ceremonials by Florence and the Machine: $13.99 at Amazon.com

In their sophomore release, UK group Florence and the Machine delivers an album filled with drama-ridden melodies and Florence Welch’s soaring vocals. You’ll find touches of blues-rock, gospel, Goth, Celtic tones, and tribal drumming, to name just a few influences; the result is the distinct Florence and the Machine sound. Welch’s voice might be the star of the show, but the group’s accompaniments are bursting with both power and delicacy – a truly rewarding combo for listeners. Highlights of the album are the gospel-driven “Shake It Up,” the orchestral masterpiece “No Light, No Light,” and the immediately accessible “Only If For A Night.”

Duets II by Tony Bennett and various artists: $11.88 at Amazon.com

In a follow-up to his 2006 Duets: An American Classic, Tony Bennett teams up with some new faces and old friends to create sparkling duets that are gentle, elegant, and amusing. Many of the pair-ups create fresh, surprising sounds (Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse), while some feel like the two have been singing together forever (Natalie Cole, Michael Buble).

El Camino by The Black Keys: $11.88 at Amazon.com

If two-man duo The Black Keys brought us back to raw blues-rock basics with their last album Brothers, they kick the volume up even higher with El Camino, released in early December. The pace is fast, the sex appeal is up, and the bright mood is contagious; but never does the band lose its raw, soulful heart. The catchy radio single “Lonely Boy” is just the beginning. The addictive “Sister” and “Stop Stop” will satisfy your holiday party music cravings, while “Little Black Submarines” shows listeners a warmer, softer side of The Black Keys.

The Goat Rodeo Sessions by Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, & Chris Thile: $11.88 at Amazon.com

String enthusiasts and novices alike will enjoy this curious collaborative album’s cross-genre mix of soft, yet pointed compositions. The talent and personality that each string virtuoso brings to the group contributes to this album’s down-to-earth elegance. Especially inspiring are “Attaboy,” “Here And Heaven,” and “Quarter Chicken Dark.”

Adele Live at the Royal Albert Hall by Adele: $12.99 at Amazon.com

Adele fans everywhere just can’t get enough of the British singer’s first two albums, but her third might not be out soon. Luckily, you can satisfy your cravings with Adele’s new concert album, which was released this past November. The album includes her performances of songs from both albums at the Royal Albert Hall in London earlier this year. Worldwide hits “Someone Like You” and “Rolling In The Deep” are, of course, included; but this is also a great chance to experience the breadth of Adele’s talents on her lesser-known album tracks. 

Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay: $11.88 at Amazon.com

In their fifth studio album, British alt-rock band Coldplay delivers to listeners a sound that is new, hopeful, and flexible, yet still as powerful as ever. Uplifting vibes slide through the choruses and melodies of “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” and “Hurts Like Heaven,” but the album has plenty of darker pieces as well. “Princess of China” features a curiously workable collaboration with Rihanna, and the arrangements and layering in “Paradise” give the tune a melancholic foundation.

Lioness: Hidden Treasures by Amy Winehouse: $9.99 at Amazon.com

Lioness, a posthumous collection of previously unreleased material, follows the tragic passing of English singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. Winehouse was known for her one-of-a-kind voice and her thought-provoking mix of R&B, Soul, and Jazz compositions; this new album continues that trend. Lioness is a well-crafted mix of unreleased material from her previous records, a selection of well-chosen covers, and a few new tracks. Winehouse’s cover of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” is spectacular; the arrangement is completely redefined for a fresh sound, but it sticks with the original version’s unforgettable heart. “Like Smoke,” one of her new tracks featuring hip-hop artist Nas, is a strong performance with excellent contrast between the two.

Mallory Jindra is a freelance writer and marketing and public relations professional native to Valparaiso, Indiana. She has two years of experience in journalism, and she hopes to continue finding new ways to combine her love of music, art, and fashion with her career in writing.