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







If you would like information about where to get this album email BloginHood@Gmail.com