Big Science

Hailing from the wind blown shores of Chicago, Big Science reemerge with their latest release Skyscraper Sound. The band creates an exclusive hybrid of 80's new wave and atmospheric rock in a tightly produced ep. With heavy praise from online bloggers ("cough, Signs of Life, cough") and college radio stations alike Big Science has grown their fanbase by leaps and bounds. Songs like "Burn All Night" demonstrate this bands expansive sound. With its delay filled riffs over heavy synth, only until howling vocals scream "the world will destroy you" any listener is bound to feel the energy that went into these recordings. The Skyscraper Sound ep is so meticulously executed that this band will be a must see in any tour or festival near you. Also, a big thanks to the Veoba blog for the heads up on this band and others, check out their site.

RIYL: Minus The Bear, Joy Division, Silversun Pickups







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Motopony

Daniel Blue under the moniker Motopony has become one of the rising artists from the Seattle music scene. With heavy folk, funk, and blues influences Motopony released its self titled debut in 2009. Many of the songs on the debut LP were adapted from Daniel's poems with the help of producer and band mate Buddy Ross. Currently Motopony is busy at work on a Vinyl EP and a second LP. For any fan interested in learning more about the recording project, a website has been set up to accept donations. Rewards for any contribution are involved including Motopony's latest single "Wait For Me" features Anna-Lynne Williams of the band Trespassers William. As soon as the whispery chorus and drum backbeat come into the song anyone will surely become a fan of Motopony.

RIYL: Iron and Wine, José González, Neko Case







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John Prine Tribute

For the past three decades John Prine has been one of the most influential songwriters of America. The "Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows" album is a collaboration today's top folk artists paying their respects to a living legend. The album hosts contributions from Josh Ritter, Justin Townes Earl, Conor Oberst, The Avett Brothers, Bon Iver, and many more. These all star artists give their best to honor the signature Prine twang. Particular songs to notice are Bon Iver's Justin Vernon covering "Bruised Oranges" and The Avett Brothers' version of "Spanish Pipedream." Any fans of folk are sure to love these classic songs written by an American Legend.

RIYL: John Prine, Bon Iver, Josh Ritter







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Samantha Crain

Oklahoma bred Samantha Crain has abandoned her old band creating inspiration for her latest full length, "You (Understood)." Overall the album is a nice blend of the singer-songwriter sound, but watch out for the bag pipe solo on "Two-Sidedness." Samantha's voice is very similar to the sisters of First Aid Kit but her vocals have more drive and less harmony. There are no particular standout tracks on "You (Understood)" but the first half of the album has a better feel than the latter. Any track off of this album could easily placed on any Starbucks mix.

RIYL: First Aid Kit, Frontier Ruckus, Jessica Lee Mayfield







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The Gaslight Anthem

Hailing from the shores of New Jersey, The Gaslight Anthem have transformed themselves from punks into american rockers. Before making it big with the band the lead singer, Brian Fallon, was a blue collar carpenter by day and a struggling musician at night. It's the honest man's mindset that has given The Gaslight Anthem the inspiration needed to create their perfect rock album. As the band moves into its third release they push beyond punk influences and move into a style more distinguishable as The Gaslight Anthem. With vocals comparable to Bruce Springsteen and a few lyrics to match, could Fallon be on their way to being the next Boss? Only time will tell.

RIYL: Lucero, The Clash, Alkaline Trio







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The National

The National are back and more dapper than ever before. Lead singer, Matt Berninger, manages to channel his middle age angst into lyrics of baritone beauty. Songs about debt and upper class guilt are constant subjects for Matt. These song's subjects are what set The National apart from other traditional "rock stars." The members are all normal guys who until very recently fit the mold of the average working stiff. "High Violet" takes the sophisticated sound listeners have become accustomed to on 2007's "Boxer" and ups the ante. From track one, fuzzed guitar drones set the album's tone. Triumphant anthems such as "Bloodbuzz Ohio" demonstrates their range and ability to rock a crowd. This album has been one of the most anticipated releases of the year and it in no way disappoints. With constant touring to sold out crowds The National are a band to stay.

RIYL: Band of Horses, Rogue Wave, Spoon






Extra: The National's 2010 Bonnaroo performance was one of the most talked about from the music filled weekend. The YouTube live stream featured Matt Berninger looking badass and crowd surfing during Mr. November.



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Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Somewhere between Fleetwood Mac and Norah Jones you will find the sound of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. The Vermont based band blends their own version of 70's funk and rock with a pinch of the 60's soul. The Nocturnals led by Grace Potter herself have been busy creating music together since 2004. With Carrie Underwood vocals and My Morning Jacket guitar licks, this band has become a crowd favorite at festivals each summer. "Grace Potter and the Nocturnals," the self titled album, showcases the music variety that the group has to offer. From crowd anthems like "Paris" to the soultry vibe on "Low Road," Grace is able to swoon the hardest music critic in a way like none other.

RIYL: Fleetwood Mac, Carrie Underwood, Eric Hutchinson







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The Drums

Hot Summer days just got better thanks to The Drums. This Brooklyn based four piece crafted an album so perfect for sand and shores The Beach Boys would be proud. With their "whoo hoo's" and up-beat tempo, The Drums will have your feet tapping before you even realize. Lead singer, Jonathan Pierce, has a set of vocals and moves reminiscent of Morrissey in his Smiths days. With their heavy bass lines and airy synth The Drums create tracks of pure happiness. Songs about surfing and missing girls are a must for any Summer road trip. In my Summer Mix,The Drums song "Let's Go Surfing" is included for everyone to enjoy.

RIYL: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, The Smiths, Princeton







Extra: The Drums were recently featured in the April issue of GQ modeling their latest suits. You can check out the full article at GQ.com



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Summer Mix

Summer is all about having fun and enjoying the great outdoors with your friends. From grilling out, to shooting fireworks and eating watermelon, there are somethings that are iconicity summer. To go along with all of these things I have compiled a Summer Music Mix. These songs are a combination between some of my high school nostalgia and fresh new jams. I hope that you enjoy.

1. Band of Horses - Laredo
2. Justin Townes Earl - Can't Hardly Wait
3. Local Natives - World News
4. Suckers - A Mind I Knew
5. Paper Route - Empty House
6. New Found Glory - It's Not Your Fault
7. Foals - This Orient
8. Angus & Julia Stone - Big Jet Plane
9. Jack's Mannequin - La La Lie
10. Jónsi - Go Do
11. Kings of Leon - Taper Jean Girl
12. LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends
13. The Drums - Book of Stories
14. Edward Sharp & The Magnetic Zeros - Home
15. Passion Pit - Folds In Your Hands
16. Phoenix - 1901
17. Sam Isaac - Come Back Home Tonight
18. Sky Larkin - Antibodies
19. Kings of Convenience - Mrs. Cold
20. The Temper Trap - Fader
21. Two Door Cinema Club - This is the Life
22. The Flaming Lips - In The Morning of the Magicians

Summer Mix - Download

Sam Isaac

Armed with his heart on his sleeve and a song in his head, Sam Isaac dares to share his voice with the world. After touring across the U.K. Sam has released his debut album "Bears." Compiled of acoustic chords and melodic synth Sam shares his stories with the world. The American music scene may be unfamiliar to Sam, but his London streets have been hearing his words for years. With influences in The Dears and Matt Pond PA, Sam aims for an indie pop sound that he pulls off quite well. Once this album makes a larger jump across the pond I am sure that our pop culture will be seeing much more of Sam Isaac. His song "Bears" has already been featured on NBC's Chuck.

RIYL: Mat Kearney, Frightened Rabbit, The Weakerthans







Extra: After listening to Sam Isaac's "Come Back Home Tonight" I realized it has the exact intro and vocal pattern as Pete Yorn's "Pass Me By." This comparison may be far fetched but you be the judge.

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Foals

Oxford, England may be the home to Foals but with dates already booked through November they will not be seeing their apartments anytime soon. As a followup to 2008's "Antidotes," Foals revamped their sound into more lyrically based tracks for "Total Life Forever." The album moves from danceable techno grooves on "Miami" onto lush soundscapes in "Spanish Sahara." Yannis Philippakis' vocal howls are very distinct yet still similar to Scott Hutchinson from Frightened Rabbit. The energy conveyed on songs like "This Orient" compare to Bloc Party's "So Here We Are." For any fans still distraught over Bloc Party's infinite hiatus, Foals are sure to tied you over.

RIYL: Bloc Party, Local Natives, Frightened Rabbit







Extra: Check out the unoriginal artwork comparison between Foals' - "Total Life Forever" & SafetySuit's - "Life Let Go"



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Barcelona

Barcelona are considered hometown heros to their native Seattle, WA fans. Within three years the band has grown from an independent solo project, to one of the rising artists on the Universal Motown label. Piano driven ballads control the sound for Barcelona on their debut album "Absolutes." The song "It's About Time" is reminiscent of Keane with the full band components of Coldplay. The three piece band has created their mark on the music scene with their work on "Absolutes." Currently Barcelona works tirelessly in the studio on their followup album with a yet unknown release date. A sneak peak into the recording process has been provided by the band with future updates to soon be revealed.

RIYL: Copeland, Aqualung, Lovedrug







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Dawes

If Dr. Dog is the future of classic rock then I would add Dawes to that list of bands as well. Straight out of the North Hills of Los Angeles, four california guys recreated the music of their childhood. While other bands overdub recording sessions into computers, Dawes records their entire album live onto 2' tape. Critics call their efforts a desperate attempt to be retro but their sound weaves together their sound and identity. "North Hills" invites you into their personal practice space letting every nuance be detected. Even occasional wrong notes and going off pitch only add to the album's experience. Some vocals are reminiscent of Neil Young mixed with the harmonies of The Thorns, while others range from Motown Soul to Classic Folk. Iconic songs like "America The Beautiful" by Ray Charles come to mind listening to the power of "That Western Skyline." Taylor Goldsmith's voice invades your soul and takes hold. Dawes are playing shows throughout the entire country this summer so check them out, odds are they are going to be in a town near you.

RIYL: Neil Young, Dr. Dog, The Thorns







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Sky Larkin

Indie pop riffs and just the right amount of repetitive shout-outs have international fans flocking to UK trio Sky Larkin’s first album -“The Golden Spike.” Lead vocalist Katie Harkin showcases Sky Larkens energy and style in songs like "Antibodies" and "Beeline". And in an off-beat way Harkins channels (a) Sheryl Crow-esque melody/style/vocals on “Molten.” No need to pace yourself. Feel free to wear out “The Golden Spike.” Sky Larkin has been busy recording a followup "Kaledie," which releases in August on Wichita Recordings worldwide.

Sit back with your fedora and margarita because the trio’s summer jams go perfectly chilln by the pool. Look for one of their tracks on my Summer Playlist coming out next week.

RIYL: Rilo Kiley, An Horse, Tegan and Sara







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Suckers

Brooklyn, NY appears to be the breeding ground for up and coming artists on the verge. The town hasn’t lost its muse-like appeal because the band “Suckers” are about to be the next powerhouse. Move over Dirty Projectors and MGMT because is the highly anticipated debut album“ Wild Smile” surpasses the hype. I was able to catch Suckers when they opened for Local Natives in Atlanta about a month ago and they put on one of the best performances I have ever seen. Even without hearing one of their songs prior to the show, the band's energy and melodies in each of their songs becomes contagious. Every member displays their abilities as a multi-instrumentalist swapping instruments mid performance. The massive amounts of alternative percussion combined with screaming chants and a trumpet left chillbumps long after I first heard this album.

"Wild Smile" will definitely be on my best of the year list.

RIYL: Local Natives, Yeasayer, Vampire Weekend







Extra: Black Sheep Video Premier



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Gayngs

Minnesota based band Gayngs is the latest supergroup to be breaking onto the indie music scene. The band is the combination of various artists from bands Solid Gold, Bon Iver, The Rosebuds, Megafaun, and many more. Gayngs' eclectic sound is to be expected from the amount of artists collaborating together. Each track on the album can easily stand on its own as a testament to what the band represents. With its haunting harmonies from Justin Vernon and a smooth R&B groove, the first track "The Gaudy Side of Life" screams sex. Many references have been brought up comparing this song to a Bone Thugs-N-Harmony classic. Another must listen from the album is Gayngs' cover of a Godley & Creme song "Cry." The song and video are tributes to Godley & Creme and 10cc, two bands that heavily influenced the sound of Gayngs. The soft-rock dynamics combined with larger than life harmonies allow Gayngs to separate themselves from any others. Too bad this didn't come out in the 80's or early 90's because they would've been huge.

Update: The final track on the album entitled "The Last Prom On Earth" is unbelievable. Justin Vernon brings back the auto-tune that he used on "Woods" and then he starts spitin' some rhymes. It is a must listen for sure.

RIYL: Bon Iver, 10cc, Kenny G







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Justin Townes Earl

Justin Townes Earl is a Nashville based troubadour with an old soul. He was raised in a songwriting household where he honed his skills by playing in local and touring bands throughout the nineties. Justin's signature sound is reminiscent of other great songwriters like John Prine. He is even contributing a cover of John Prine's "Far From Me" to the Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows collection of John Prine songs. Justin will be included on the album next to other artists Justin Vernon, The Avett Brothers, and Conor Oberst to name a few. Justin Townes Earl's country voice is rich with emotion and heart that can be heard on songs about his past loves and family. Songs off "Midnight At The Movies" are what country music was meant to be. This album marks Justin's third album release but he should be releasing another by the end of the year. These songs are rich and they should enjoyed while sipping whiskey on a hot souther night.

RIYL: Josh Ritter, Griffin House, City and Colour







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The Cinematic Orchestra

The Cinematic Orchestra is a music project formed by Scottish born, Jason Swinscoe, in 1999. The band's sound was heavily inspired by jazz and film scores. For this album Jason wrote his own scenes to a fictional film where each of these songs could be used. This gave him a better direction on how he wanted to form the album's emotions. The Ma Fleur album was written and recorded almost entirely in Paris which Jason claims was a large factor in the album's sound. When trying to determine what this album is comparable to there is a range of influences and dynamics to notice. Many of the piano and songwriting could be compared to Coldplay, while the jazz percussion forms the songs into something closer to Tenebre. The eclectic sound on The Cinematic Orchestra is one that can be easily appreciated and not to be missed. In fact you may have even heard this band without knowing it on television shows Grey's Anatomy, Without A Trace, Ugly Betty, and many more.

RIYL: Coldplay, The Album Leaf, David Gray







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Angus & Julia Stone

Angus & Julia Stone is the brother sister music group that has taken Australia by storm. The duo have recently released their second full length album "Down The Way", just months after Angus released his first side project Lady of The Sunshine. The sound of the Stone siblings can be described as acoustic alternative with the accompaniment of haunting vocals. Both Angus and Julia have eerily distinctive voices that shine through on songs like "Big Jet Plane" and "And The Boys". In my review of Lady of The Sunshine I compared Angus' sound to that of Coldplay and I can still hear these similarities in this band as well. Angus & Julia Stone is definately one to keep a look out for as their sound slowly makes its way overseas.

RIYL: Lady of The Sunshine, Mat Costa, Greg Laswell







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First Aid Kit

Homely harmonies and meaningful songwriting are the backbone for the Swedish sisters that make up First Aid Kit. Klara and Johanna Söderberg first gained attention when they posted a cover of the Fleet Foxes' song Tiger Mountain Peasant Song. Since then the duo released a debut Ep "Drunken Trees" and have recently released their first full length album "The Big Black And The Blue". Every song on both albums prominently features the sister's beautiful harmonies on each delicate ballad. The band claims that the wilderness of Sweden provided much of the inspiration for their songs. This can be seen in some of their YouTube videos where they are performing acoustic in their native woods. While campfire tales and Kumbaya seem like the proper venue for First Aid Kit you can see them live this June in one of their first US tours. For more information check out their Myspace.

RIYL: Fleet Foxes, Jessica Lea Mayfield, Elliot Smith







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Boy & Bear

Australia is home to some of the latest rising artists breaking onto the music scene. From Lady of the Sunshine to The Temper Trap the Australian Outback is creating musicians that each have a sound all their own. The latest band to debut their music from Australia is Boy & Bear. This five piece of young musicians have managed to create elegant harmonies on top of down home folk. Each song has its distinctive hook to bring you back for more. With their three part harmonies and acoustic driven lyrics listeners are sure to notice similarities reminiscent of the Seattle based Fleet Foxes. Boy & Bear have found success on Australia's Triple J radio station by winning the Unearthed Homebake Competition. This station is where artists like Mumford & Sons gained a lot of ground by debuting their singles. Boy & Bear's debut Ep "With Emperor Antarctica" was recently released in Australia but is currently unavailable in the US. Hopefully an overseas release will occur soon. In the meantime you can stream the five song Ep on Boy and Bear's myspace. While you are there you can also sign up to receive a free download of their first singe "Mexican Mavis".

RIYL: Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes, Grizzly Bear

Sonos

A Cappella singing has been around for longer than than musical instruments. So it's hard to believe that more bands are not around that have perfected this craft in a mainstream way. There are over 1,000 A Cappella choirs at college universities across the nation but none of these have had the appeal that Sonos has. With their debut album SONOSings this 5 piece from Los Angeles performs their own renditions of songs from Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, The Jackson 5, and even Radiohead. On stage they are armed with nothing but microphones and effects pedals to great lush layers of harmonies that are hard to ignore. After one listen to this group you will forget that there are no instruments even being played.

RIYL: Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Ben Folds A Cappella







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Broken Bells

Broken Bells is the collaboration between Danger Mouse (Gnarles Barkley) & James Mercer (The Shins). In my first listen of this album I was not impressed at all, my expectations must have been too high from the single. However, after my second listen I was pleasantly surprised with the album as a whole. James' voice is very different from most of The Shins' songs and when you throw it ontop of some groovy R&B beats from Danger Mouse it takes a little getting used to. I am aware that my enemy and Starbucks are both pushing this album but I approve of it as well.

RIYL: The Broken West, Beck, The Shins







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Hammock

Nashville based post-rock band Hammock just released the first video off of their upcoming album called "Chasing after shadows... Living with the Ghosts" The song is titled "Breathtum" and it really blew me away. I will definately have more on this album as it gets closer to its May 18, 2010 release date.

Owl City

This is the latest Owl City music video for "Vanilla Twilight". The video is just a bunch of people looking at the sky that looks similar to the sky in Donnie Darko. The strange part about this video is that Shaquille O'neal, Mr. Kazaam himself, is one of the onlookers. I cannot read lips but Shaq mouths something near the end of the video and I am pretty sure it's "take me with you". You be the judge and see if I am right.

The Dig

A few months ago I saw a tip from The Antler's keyboard player, Darby, to check out The Dig. These guys were on tour with The Editors, The Antlers, and currently Portugal, The Man. Every video and post I have read about these guys tells the story of how captivating The Dig are live. Their nationwide tour with Portugal will hopefully propel the guys into some recognition for the release of their new album "Electric Toys". The album is set to release on April 27 and it needs to build some hype for these guys to have a successful release. Their sound is very indie rock, with an emphasis on the rock. The Dig's style and vocals are similar to Thom York from Radiohead. Many bands have been compared to Radiohead in the past, but I believe that The Dig may be one that actually lives up to the hype.

RIYL: Radiohead, Ra Ra Riot, Band of Skulls







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Jay-Z

Here is the Jay-Z mini documentary I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. I really enjoyed this film because it humanized Jay and didn't portray him as the the mogul that we all know he is.

Jónsi

This very well may one of the most impressive albums that I have ever listened to. Jónsi Birgisson has completely out done himself, and I am saying this from the perspective of an avid Sigur Rós listener. "Go" is Jónsi's first solo album and it is completely different from any of his other music projects including Sigur Rós and Riceboy Sleeps. One noticeable difference in the songs are that you can understand what he is saying. Jónsi has decided to ditch his personally created Hopelandic' language for his secondary language of English. The other noticeable difference in the album is its high energy. This is Jónsi's pop album, and it is a masterpiece. Suitcases and hands on knees provided the percussion to drive his melodic voice. He has used this form of percussion before in Riceboy Sleeps with his boyfriend Alex. Every track on this album is beautifully orchestrated and from the behind the scenes footage of his tour the sound will be remade live perfectly. I am only disappointed in the fact that the closest to Alabama Jónsi comes is Chicago.

RIYL: Sigur Rós, Bjork, Annuals

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A Classic Education

A Classic Education is a recent addition to the indie market all the way from Italy. I was immediately captured from the first song I heard from them, "Stay, Son". This song is the first track off of their "First Ep" and the lyrics "Never mistake the tears the falling down your cheek..." really stuck with me. This song made me listen further into the ep which was just a collaboration of songs they wrote their first year as a band. Since this "First ep" a 7" and a free download have been released on their website. This band has a lot of raw power and emotion that all ties back to the lead singer's vocals and their chamber pop sound. They are currently playing at SXSW 2010, and I believe from these performances they will gain some needed recognition. Hopefully they will put a full length out in the near future.

RIYL: Modest Mouse, Arcade Fire, Bishop Allen







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Kings of Convenience

This is another case where I have had an album for a while but never actually listened to it. This time around Kings of Convenience's "Declaration of Dependance" was overlooked in my library and I am disappointed in myself. This band is about as simple as you can get with only acoustic guitars and classic vocal harmonies. I will admit that I was a little turned off at first because I thought that they were Flight of The Conchords, and I've had to hear that band too many times. However, once I got past that similarity I realized how great this band truly is. King's of Convenience are a Norway band who have just released their third studio album. This album is super mellow with whispery voices and gentle guitar picking. "Declaration of Dependance" is the perfect companion for an afternoon nap or a Sunday drive. It makes me want to drive along a costal highway with my windows down and just relax. If you are in the mood for a little bit of culture try playing this band and opening a bottle of red wine. That's my plan.

RIYL: Andrew Bird, Simon and Garfunkel, Flight of The Conchords

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All The Day Holiday

A tag line I read a while back about All The Day Holiday read, "what happens when a post-rock band gets an emo lead singer." That quote really intrigued me because honestly emo and post-rock are my favorite music genres. I had a chance to see this band at CMJ in New York and they were super impressive live. The lead guitar player and drummer really define the band by giving them high energy and a signature guitar sound that you would find from The Edge of U2. Their debut album, entitled "All The Things We've Grown To Love", is packed full of emotion and songs reminiscent of Copeland's "Beneath Medicine Tree". I highly recommend this album for anyone who has ever connected to that album. Being a big fan of post-rock I was really hoping for a sound a bit more epic, but I found myself let down in this department. All The Day's sound seems to be closer to the Alternative Rock movement of bands on Tooth & Nail Records than bands in the post-rock music scene. Despite this minor letdown the band still has redeeming qualities in their lyrics and delivery. I believe that this band is one case where the album does not do the live performance justice.

RIYL: Copeland, Mae, Anberlin







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Lady of the Sunshine

Lady and the Sunshine is an Australian band that leads a triumphant return to what it is to write music. The lead vocals and guitar and brought to you by a man named Angus Stone, which could be the most epic musician name I have ever heard. He teamed up with a friend to record this album in an old water tank rigged as a recording studio. Angus has already been pretty well established as a folk duo with his sister in a band called Angus & Julia Stone. This album "Smoking Gun" is his first solo work and it has songs reminiscent of Coldplay's "Parachutes" album. In fact Stone's voice even seems to hit Chris Martin's falsetto a few times. "Smoking Gun" has many songwriter's songs but then it also has gritty rock like you would find in blues based band. "White Rose Parade" and "Jack Nimble" are a few of these tracks that seem to be out of place for this artist but they are still fantastic songs nonetheless. Look for more from this artist in the near future.

RIYL: Coldplay, Matt Costa, The White Stripes









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Fyfe Dangerfield

Fyfe Dangerfield, yes that is his real name, just released his first solo album "Fly Yellow Moon". The album was released back in January of this year in the United Kingdom. "Fly Yellow Moon" is Fyfe's first pop record after he was part of an Avant-garde band known as the Guillemots. Although he is not very well known this new album speaks for itself. Some songs are downtempo ballads like you would expect from Augustana or Aqualung, while other songs such as "She Needs Me" are more full band sounding. I found this song very similar to Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity". My guess in Fyfe's songwriting leads me to believe that once this album is released in the states it will be featured on VH1's You Oughta Know. I'll keep this post updated if this prediction comes true.

RIYL: Augustana, Aqualung, Jamie Cullum







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Freelance Whales

Freelance Whales are about to be one of the hottest new indie bands on the music scene. Once their album "Weathervanes" drops April 13th this band will explode. They have been growing through a grassroots campaign in New York by playing subways and booking shows with other NYC natives such as Cymbals Eat Guitars. Their songs are folky and poppy in a way that will attract any listener. This is another band that I believe will have heavy commercial appeal this year. Start with the two videos below, I promise you will not be let down.

RIYL: Annuals, Fanfarlo, Ben Cooper (Radical Face & Electric President)

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Jay-Z

I have never been a rap fan but I am really excited to see this in a few weeks.

Rogue Wave

Rogue Wave is one of those bands that I have seen their name thrown around for a while but never paid attention. Their latest release "Permalight" is the first time I have taken the chance to really check out their music. This album is very catchy and more of a pop album than their previous indie rock style. The song "Good Morning" is an obviously catchy song to hook people into the album but you should definately stick through it until you get to really meaningful songs like "Fear Itself". The lead singer, Zach Rogue, has a voice similar to Nate Ruess from the band The Format. This album is easy for anyone to jump right into and I will assume that it will be featured on Grey's Anatomy any day now. Rogue Wave was even featured in the new Jennifer Anniston movie "Love Happens". The movie was a let down but their addition was pretty cool.

RIYL: Right Away Great Captain!, The Format, Snow Patrol







It has been a couple of weeks since my last music post but I needed the time to build up some new artists. I will be posting one band a day for as long as I can keep it up. If you would like information about where to get this album email BloginHood@Gmail.com

Band of Horses

Pardon my language but "Oh, Shit!" Band of Horses have kept any word of this album under wraps for its entire 16 month recording process. The album is due out on May 18, but not on Sub Pop. Instead "Infinite Arms" will be released on the lead singer's, Ben Birdwell, Brown Records, which is as far as I can tell is a combination of Fat Possum and Columbia Records. This is my most anticipated album of the year. Unless Bon Iver decides to come out of hibernation and release a follow up to The Blood Bank ep. For updates on the album and its release check out BandofHorses.com

I received this last week from Blogger

Because of this I am going to have to stop posting links to the albums that I review. However if you would like more information on where to get any of the albums that I review, please email me at BloginHood@Gmail.com

MGMT

Just because of this cover, the MGMT "Congratulations" album already has my biggest disappointment of the year award. Despite the fact that I haven't even heard 1 song off of it yet.

The Morning Benders

The year of 2010 may be young but it's releases are starting to be fantastic. I haven't enjoyed a years music this much since 2007. Big Echo is the latest release from the California band, The Morning Benders. The lead singer Chris Chu has an amazing voice that truly shines on their latest single "Excuses". The song has a 1950's Du Wop feel to it that I haven't heard in modern music. The vocal harmonies are impeccable and I cannot wait to see this band live in a few weeks. The album Big Echo continues on the bands same path as previous records but this will definately be the one that puts them on the map for mainstream indie music. Be on the lookout for this band to be playing festivals this summer, starting with SXSW in the middle of March.

RIYL: Ra Ra Riot, Grizzly Bear, Neutral Milk Hotel

The Album Leaf

A Chorus of Storytellers is the latest release from the band The Album Leaf. The band has been a solo project for the past 10 years of multi-instumentalist Jimmy LaValle. This album is the first time that he has recorded with an entire band giving the album a much fuller sound. Another difference about this album is that Jimmy mixed the vocals first so they stand out much more than any other album. The Album Leaf has previously been known for being an ambient band, but is slowly transitioning into music that the average listener can handle.

RIYL: Hammock, The American Dollar, Sigur Rós

Dead Man's Bones

Dead Man's Bones is the moniker for the collaboration between actor, Ryan Gosling, and Zach Shields. They have written an album creepy enough to be played at any kids halloween party just after "The Monster Mash". The duo recorded the entire album with a children's choir from Los Angeles giving the music a strange parallel in vocals that I didn't expect. The self titled album is very dark and cryptic but it is played in such a way that makes me want to keep listening. Dead Man's Bones instrumentation is surprisingly good, including Ryan's piano playing that has the vaudeville style similar to artists like "The Arcade Fire." Who would have thought Noah from The Notebook would come out with an album that sounds pretty damn good. Upon further reading I discovered that Ryan was on The Mickey Mouse club along with Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and other early 00's popstars. I hope his former mouseketeers have found this album and can take a little inspiration from it.

RIYL: Tom Waits, The Arcade Fire, "The Monster Mash"

Signs of Life

New video from a Signs of Life practice. The song is called "The Dronkship."

The Swell Season

From my first viewing of the film Once my world was changed. I immediately watched the movie again and fell in love with this small Irish band who I didn't even know actually existed. Once I owned the soundtrack and realized this was one band, The Swell Season, I quickly gathered everything they had released. Now two years later the band has made a follow up to their Oscar winning album called "Strict Joy." This album is very emotional and quickly became one of my favorite albums of 2009. Most of the album refers to the romantic relationship between the two songwriters Glen and Markéta. Strict Joy picks up where the first album left off but goes in a different direction just as the two ended their relationship. Despite the internal trouble, I have no doubt that this band has many albums still to come.

RIYL: Bon Iver, Damien Rice, The Frames

Hammock

While Nashville, Tennessee is known for many styles of music, Ambient, Post-Rock has not been a very large style. Hammock is a two man collaboration that creates ethereal swells out of only 2 guitars. The band's latest album "Maybe They Will Sing For Us Tomorrow" was recommended to me by a friend. I had a hard time understanding the band at first because I was only listening to songs as if they were songs. Once I allowed myself to listen to the entire album I realized the beauty that lied beneath the tracks. This album has been my companion through several books and finals in school. It has allowed me the peace that my mind needs to focus on other things. If you are someone who needs sound to clear your mind I recommend this band.

RIYL: Riceboy Sleeps, This Will Destroy You, Sigur Rós

Carissa's Wierd

Carissa's Weird is and always will be an underground band. They truly represent what it meant to be "indie". The band was formed in Seattle and developed a cult-like following from the end of the 90's to the start of the 00's. Although they never received commercial success several members have in their other music endeavors. One of these is Band of Horses, which was founded by Mat Brooke and Ben Birdwell. The songs from Carissa's Weird are slowly crafted love songs that feature piano and violin heavily on most of the tracks. The emotions in the songs ring throughout all the despair and longing in Mat Brooke's voice. This album is one of my personal favorite's to put on for a long drive alone. I wish that I was in Seattle when this band was together because I know I would have been at every show.

RIYL: Band of Horses, Elliott Smith, Straylight Run

Wild Beasts

While many emerging bands such as Passion Pit and Bon Iver have become known for their overpowering falsettos. The haunting vocals of Wild Beast's lead singer, Hayden Thorpe, have been compared to more classically trained opera performers than these indie artists. Their latest album "Two Dancers" is a beautifully assembled album with many layers of his vocal howls. This quartet of friends from London have created an album comparable to Grizzly Bear's "Veckatimest". With this sophomore release the band has grown in a way that surely will keep them around for some time to come.

RIYL: Grizzly Bear, Andrew Bird, Bjork