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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