Two Ways Out

Came across this song this week and had to find out more about it. The band is Darker My Love out of LA.

Just a cool, smooth rock tune. Kind of makes a nice transition from summer time to fall.

Genre: Rock/Soul
Artist: Darker My Love
Album: 2
Song: Two Ways Out

Why do I like it?: The vocals are very smooth. Not trying to do too much. The blend is refreshing.

P.S. - Song is now available on my playlist....

The Story

When I began this blog, I committed to myself to only place songs up that I really listen to over and over again. I've struggled recently to find new stuff to highlight, thus the lack of posts.

Thank goodness for commercials during the Olympics. "The Story," by Brandi Carlile, is featured in a GM commercial that has been playing the past week and a half and caught me the first time I heard it. What I didn't know is that she's from right here in Seattle.

Genre: Folk/Alternative
Artist: Brandi Carlile
Album: The Story
Song: The Story

Why do I like it?: Brandi sings with a ton of passion. Mix this passion with a song that sounds like one big chorus, and you have a hit.

The Story - Brandi Carlile

Lil' King Kong

Very Beck like, Simple Kid drives his tunes with heavy sampling / voice overs to create a hip hop/country/alternative sound.

I first heard this song on a Saturn commercial recently, and I just had to find out more about it.

Genre: Alternative/Rock/Country
Artsit: Simple Kid
Album: 2
Song: Lil' King Kong

Why do I like it?: The mix of the banjo and hip hop beats makes me happy.

First Day Of My Life

Folks, this song is not new at all. In fact, it's over 2 years old. But it's new to me thanks to another friend of mine who introduced me to the group, Bright Eyes.

Honestly, I don't want to continually post sappy love songs that were made for weddings. But when a song is good, a song is good. This actually might be my favorite song I've posted about so far.

Genre: Folk/Alternative
Artist: Bright Eyes
Album: I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning
Song: First Day Of My Life

Why do I like it?: I think the song speaks for itself.

Mercy

Some people say Duffy is an Amy Winehouse wannabe. I say Amy Winehouse wasn't the first, nor will she be the last, to bring soul driven retro pop back to the mainstream. With Duffy and her unique voice, I think you either like her or she might drive you nuts. I happen to like a lot of what I've listened to on her debut album.

And, because I like you so much, I'm adding a second video which is an acoustic version for your listening pleasure (I go back and forth on which one I like better, but often it's the acoustic version).

While she's reached the top of the charts in the UK, she's slowly gaining traction here in the US.

Genre: Pop/Soul
Artist: Duffy
Album: Rockferry
Song: Mercy

Why do I like it?: I love soul mixed with a retro pop feel that makes you move.



Acoustic Version:

It's About Time

This Seattle based band infuses a lot of piano into its music that offers similarities to Coldplay and Keane.

Genre: Alternative
Artist: Barcelona
Album: Absolutes
Song: It's About Time

Why do I like it?: While the video is a touch odd, the song moves and keeps my attention.

Madi Don't Leave

This song isn't as fresh as most of the ones I've posted about, but since my blog is fairly new I thought I would take the liberty of stepping back briefly.

PlayRadioPlay! is pretty much one person, Dan Hunter. At the ripe age of 18, Hunter has already gone through the ups and downs of being signed to a major record label and as of recently, unsigned.

Genre: Electro/Pop
Artist: PlayRadioPlay!
Album: Texas
Song: Madi Don't Leave

Why do I like it?: A brief shout to my current city of residence, Seattle, mixed with nifty instrumentation and a simple tune.

ps - I don't love the version I have on the play list, but it was the best I could find.