Janelle Monae and More...

Janelle Monae – Tightrope

2010-04-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

So, I know it's been forever since I posted a new song. I'm sorry. Maybe it's that Glee comes back on tonight, or that I'm off to record some new tunes this week, or maybe it's just that there's been zero new interesting music as of late. Whatever. I'm back.

I love this new song by Janelle Monae, "Tightrope." But I might like the video even more. Just fun and simple, yet adds to the song.

Artist: Janelle Monae
Song: Tightrope

Rating: 4 Thumps

Fun video:

Neon Trees - Animal

2010-02-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

Fun group out of Provo, UT, I give you the Neon Trees with their debut single: "Animal." Enjoy.

Artist: Neon Trees
Album: Habits
Song: Animal

Rating: 4 Thumps

PS - Will add to Playlist once it becomes available...

Dan Black - Symphonies

2010-01-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

It's been a while folks, but let's be honest, heard much on the radio that makes you want to listen again and again? I give you, Dan Black and his latest single, "Symphonies." It uses the same drum sample as Rhianna's "Umbrella," but I think it holds its own.

Artist: Dan Black
Album: Un
Song: Symphonies

Rating: 4 Thumps

Cold War Kids - Audience

2009-12-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

The new music scene has been dry as of late. Thus the lack of posts. But we return with the Cold War Kids and their new song "Audience."

Artist: Cold War Kids
Album: Behave Yourself (Out 12/21)
Song: Audience

Rating 4 Thumps

PS - Will post song to playlist once I can...

PSS - The name of the song is "Audience," the video below is not official and has the wrong name...

Ingrid Michaelson - Maybe

2009-11-17T09:49:00.000-08:00

Great new tune "Maybe" by Ingrid Michaelson that fits well with the grey weather we've had recently in Seattle. Ingrid is most noted for her single "The Way I Am."

Artist: Ingrid Michaelson
Album: Everybody
Song: Maybe

Playlist update: The song is currently not available on Playlist, but I'll add once it is.

Rating: 4 Thumps

Pearl Jam - Just Breathe

2009-11-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

Pearl Jam is experiencing somewhat of a Renaissance recently. Their latest single, "Just Breathe" is a perfect compliment to their latest surge. Sit back and enjoy.

Artist: Pearl Jam
Album: Back Spacer
Song: Just Breathe

Rating: 5 Thumps

Choir of Young Believers - Action/Reaction

2009-10-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Cool new Danish band Choir of Young Believers enters the fray with "Action/Reaction." I've checked a few of their other tunes and these guys have serious potential for big things.

Artist: Choir of Young Believers
Album: This is for the white in your eyes
Song: Action/Reaction

Rating: 5 Thumps!

The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition

2009-10-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

After some business in my life recently, I heard this song and it helped me find my zen.

The Temper Trap is yet another down-under band showing off that their water must be full of creativity. I must have a half-dozen or so songs from Australian artists on my blog.

Artist: The Temper Trap
Album: Conditions
Song: Sweet Disposition

Rating 4 Thumps

Kelly Clarkson - Already Gone

2009-09-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

This is where I expose a guilty pleasure: American Idol. Yet surprisingly with that, I haven't loved all the music that contestants have put out post-Idol. Like when she was on the show, Kelly Clarkson's career has been fairly consistent and successful.

"Already Gone" is a moving power ballad that caters to her strong, and at times breathy vocals.

Artist: Kelly Clarkson
Album: All I Ever Wanted
Song: Already Gone

Rating: 5 Thumps!

FYI - The video quality is not great.

Train - Hey Soul Sister

2009-09-09T10:24:00.000-07:00

I'm a sucker for a little ukulele and a funky drum line. I just am. "Hey Soul Sister" is completely different from your typical Train song. And does definitely take a little from previous ukulele led songs, but I have to say, I don't care. It's good.

Artist: Train
Album: Save Me San Francisco
Song: Hey Soul Sister

Rating: 5 Thumps!

Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson - Relator

2009-09-04T09:27:00.001-07:00

Here's a catchy tune to send you on your weekend ways: "Relator" by the duet of Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson.

Rating: 5 Thumps

Weezer - (If you're wondering if I want you to) I want you to

2009-08-20T20:25:00.000-07:00

Weezer, to me, have always been hit and miss. But when they're on, they tend to be really on. "(If you're wondering if I want you to) I want you to" is definitely on for them. A really catchy, fast-paced love song.

Artist: Weezer
Album: Raditude (Releasing Oct. 27, 2009)
Song: (If you're wondering if I want you to) I want you to

Rating: 5 Thumps

The video I originally used was taken down :( Will post a new one once one becomes available. Meanwhile, you can still enjoy the song on my playlist!

The Big Pink - Velvet

2009-08-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

As record companies trim fat in this economy, it's not surprising to see a rise in 2 person bands follow along. The Big Pink is the latest duo band to make a run at music's glory with much less than a full band. Their latest single, "Velvet" says they'll likely stick around with their full sound. "Velvet" feels like it could have been released 2 decades ago...

Artist: The Big Pink
Album: A Brief History of Love
Song: Velvet

Rating: 4.5 Thumps

PS - This song is not yet available on playlist, but once it is, I'll add it.

La Roux - Bulletproof

2009-07-21T11:51:00.000-07:00

If you like Erasure, Yazoo, or early Depeche Mode then you'll enjoy La Roux's, "Bulletproof." A fun, catchy synth-pop tune that makes you bob your head.

Artist: La Roux
Album: La Roux
Song: Bulletproof

Rating: 4.5 Thumps

The Noisettes - Never Forget You

2009-07-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a 60's style pop tune that will get your weekend started a bit early. From the other side of the ocean, I give you London's own: The Noisettes, with "Never Forget You."

Artist: The Noisettes
Album: Wild Young Hearts
Song: Never Forget You

Rating: 4 Thumps

MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD - Say Hey (I Love You)

2009-06-29T16:11:00.000-07:00

The barefooted Michael Franti is no newcomer to the music world. But perhaps his new single, "Say hey (I Love You)" will give him wider notice. I know this is the second reggae (type, cause it's not exactly reggae) song in a row, but doesn't summertime lend to feel good music? If so, then sit back and enjoy.

Genre: Reggae / Hip Hop
Artist: MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD
Album: All Rebel Rockers
Song: Say Hey (I Love you)

Rating: 5 thumps

Kudos to Franti for not blocking his original video for this song:

Matisyahu - One Day

2009-06-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Matisyahu, pronounced Mah-Tiss-Yah-Who, with his new single "One Day" (available starting today for digital download) seems to be on the cusp of breaking through to mega stardom. Seriously.

His first appearance on the music scene was back in 2004 with a surprising hit "King Without a Crown." "One Day" has all the makings of being a smash summer hit with its message of hope, smooth synth backgrounds and super catchy tune. This is easily my favorite new song of the year so far.

Artist: Matisyahu
Genre: Reggae / Rock / Hip-Hop
Album: Light
Song: One Day

Once available on playlist.com, I'll add it to the playlist....for now, enjoy the fake video ;)

Rating: 5 THUMPS!!!!

The Airborne Toxic Event - Wishing Well

2009-06-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

It's been forever since I've posted. I know. But ask yourself this question: "Have I heard a truly catchy song recently?" I would say probably not, especially since I haven't posted in about a month :)

That's where The Airborne Toxic Event comes in. I first introduced you to them last July with their hit song "Sometime Around Midnight." They're following up this summer with a new tune "Wishing Well." Enjoy.

Artist: The Airborne Toxic Event
Genre: Rock / Alternative
Album: The Airborne Toxic Event
Song: Wishing Well

Rating: 4 Thumps

Death Cab For Cutie - Little Bribes & Grapvine Fires

2009-05-15T09:35:00.001-07:00

Maybe it's because I live in Seattle that I'm swayed to like Death Cab. Or maybe it's because these guys know how to write a decent tune. Either way's fine with me. I give you 2 great new songs: Little Bribes & Grapevine Fires.

Genre: Alternative / Rock
Artist: Death Cab For Cutie
Album: The Open Door
Song: Little Bribes & Grapevine Fires

Rating 5 Thumps

Little Bribes:

Grapevine Fires, Official Video:

Emilie Mover - Ordinary Day

2009-05-02T10:56:00.001-07:00

I've been searching folks, for that new song that keeps me coming back. And it has been difficult recently, until I heard Emilie Mover's "Ordinary Day." Let me know what you think!

Genre: Folk / Acoustic
Artist: Emilie Mover
Album: Good Shake, Nice Gloves (iTunes)
Song: Ordinary Day

Rating: 4 Thumps

Bonus song: "Brand New"

Plain White T's - 1,2,3,4

2009-04-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Find something that you're good at, and keep doing it. That's what I say and that's what the Plain White T's have done. Following up their smash hit, "Hey There Delilah" with "1,2,3,4." a sweet acoustic love song that should spring couple's everywhere.

Genre: Pop / Alternative
Artist: Plain White T's
Album: Big Bad World
Song: 1,2,3,4

Rating: 4 Thumps

Calahan - Like A Ghost

2009-03-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

Here's your diamond in the rough on an otherwise cloudy day in Seattle. "Like A Ghost" mixes a grooving beat with a catchy tune. Always a formula for success. This song is hard to find in a downloadable format, but Calahan was cool enough to offer it for free if you email them at calahanrocks@yahoo.com.

Genre: Rock/Pop/Alternative
Artist: Calahan
Album: Superstar
Song: Like A Ghost

The song's not yet on playlist.com, but I'll add as soon as it is.

Rating: 5 thumps

Bon Iver - Skinny Love & Blindsided

2009-03-10T13:13:00.000-07:00

It's funny what you find when you dig a little. I heard "Blindsided" the other day and was intent it would land as one of my new favorite songs. Well, I found that I like just about everything by Bon Iver and especially liked "Skinny Love."

And since this is my blog, I took the liberty of adding them both today. Just your luck! From the woods of Wisconsin to your ears, I bring you Bon Iver.

Genre: Folk
Artist: Bon Iver
Album: For Emma, For Ever Ago
Songs: Skinny Love & Blindsided

Rating: 5 Thumps

Skinny Love (Performance from David Letterman):

Blindsided:

Depeche Mode - Wrong

2009-02-27T11:49:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentleman, introducing DM's latest song, "Wrong." Here's why I really like "Wrong": It's simple. Classic Depeche Mode. And maybe that's why I like it so much.

They'll be following up the relaase of their album, "Sounds of the Universe," with a world tour this summer. So check out http://www.depechemode.com/tour.html to see if they'll be visiting a city near you.

Genre: Alternative
Artist: Depeche Mode
Album: Sounds of the Universe (April 2009)
Song: Wrong

Rating: 5 Thumps

Iglu & Hatly - In This City

2009-02-20T15:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday folks! "In This City" is a perfect tune to have on if you're cruising in your car today. I have no idea what the song means, but it's catchy and makes you want to move.

Genre: Alternative/Pop
Artist: Iglu and Hartly
Album: And the boo...
Song: In This City

Rating: 5 Thumps

Eric Hutchinson - Rock & Roll

2009-02-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

Eric Hutchinson might be Jason Mraz 2.0, fun upbeat songs with quick lyrical rifts. And when I heard "Rock & Roll" on the radio the other day, with the cloudy Seattle sky hiding the bright sun above me, I knew I liked this song.

Genre: Folk Rock, Rock
Artist: Eric Hutchinson
Album: Sounds Like This
Song: Rock & Roll

Rating: 5 thumps

Jack Johnson - Angel

2009-02-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

This song won't end up on the radio. Not because it's bad, it's on here isn't it? The only thing wrong with this song is that it's not long enough. Other than that, it's definitely one I'm listening to over and over again. Thus landing here. And probably not on the radio.

Genre: Acoustic / Surf
Artist: Jack Johnson
Album: Sleep Through The Static
Song: Angel

Rating: 5 Thumps

The Panics – Don’t Fight It

2009-01-29T15:35:00.000-08:00

The Panics come to us from the land down under. Seriously, the Australian gonvernment must have put something creative in their water. Watched a movie lately or heard a good song? Chances are pretty high they stem from across the ocean.

Genre: Alternative
Artist: The Panics
Album: Cruel Guards
Song: Don't Fight It

Rating: 4 Thumps

Shiny Toy Guns - I Owe You a Love Song & Season of Love

2009-01-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

Love, love, love Shiny Toy Guns. And I honestly didn't like their latest single, Ricochet. But they definitely pulled out of my doghouse by once again playing to their strong suit: Variety. I appreciate how they don't let one musical style influence what their end products reveal.

Case in point: I Owe You a Love Song and Season of Love

Genre: Alternative / Rock
Artist: Shiny Toy Guns
Album: Season of Poison
Songs: I Owe You a Love Song & Season of Love

Rating: 4.5 thumps

Season of Love, Shiny Toy Guns

Kings Of Leon - Use Somebody

2009-01-05T14:36:00.000-08:00

After my long sabbatical, I'm back for 2009 listing my favorite new songs.

One of my favorite groups to come out of last year was Kings Of Leon. Lead singer Caleb Followill easily has one of the great rock n roll voices to come around in a long time.

Genre: Rock / Alternative
Artist: Kings Of Leon
Album: Only By The Night
Song: Use Somebody

Rating: 5 Thumps

Joshua Radin - Someone Else's Life

2008-12-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

Here is another favorite new acoustic tune. Like other tunes on this blog, this song isn't very new. In fact it's from 2006. Again, though, it's new to me thus qualifying for a place as my favorite new song.

Artist: Joshua Radin
Genre: Folk
Album: We Were Here
Song: Someone Else's Life

Rating: 5 Thumps

Note about the video: Contrary to the video below, this song is not found on the Twilight soundtrack.

Dukes of Daville - Cry Baby

2008-12-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

Like Grey's Anatomy, its spinoff Private Practice aims to play catchy new tunes during their shows.

If you like a little throwback tune that's catchy and emotional at the same time, this one's for you.

Genre: Pop / Hip Hop
Artist: Dukes of Daville
Album: No album yet, songs available for download
Song: Cry Baby

Rating: 4 Thumps

Dido - Quiet Times

2008-11-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

If you like Dido, and have been hoping to hear acoustics added to her music, look no further than "Quiet Times." This isn't her first single off of her new album, but this could be the landmark tune.

Coincidentally, this song makes its debut on Grey's Anatomy tomorrow night.

Genre: Pop / Alternative
Artist: Dido
Album: Safe Trip Home
Song: Quiet Times

Rating: 5 Thumps (I know what you're saying: Tony, all of your songs recently are getting 5 stars. My reply: That's why they're my new favorite songs ;)

ps - Will add to my playlist once it becomes available.

Morgan Page - Call My Name

2008-11-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

Another DJ turned hit maker, Morgan Page is best known for his recent hit, "The Longest Road." I just happen to like this one better ;)

Genre: Dance / Electronica
Artist: Morgan Page Featuring Tyler James
Album: Not one I know of, single is downloadable
Song: Call My Name

Rating: 5 Thumps

Matt White - Love

2008-11-10T08:59:00.001-08:00

Straight from a McDonald's commercial for the McRib sandwich, to my new favorite song.

Genre: Acoustic / Surf
Artist: Matt White
Album: Best Days
Song: Love

Rating: 5 Thumps

Madonna - Miles Away

2008-11-03T09:32:00.000-08:00

Guilty pleasure #146: Madonna. Sorry! But true. As much as her personal life is completely offensive and that she can't decide which accent to speak in public with, her music has lasted decades. Besides, I rarely ever consider someone's personal life in my music choices. More music than the person behind it.

Genre: Pop
Artist: Madonna
Album:Hard Candy
Song: Miles Away

Rating: 4 Thumps

New Rating System

2008-10-27T10:38:00.001-07:00

Ok, so I've started rating my songs by "Thumps." 5 Thumps is the highest rating, with 0 Thumps being the least. Even though I might put a song on here that I really like, it doesn't necessarily mean it'll be a 5 Thump song.

I invite you to rate the songs too! See poll to the right.

Coldplay - Lovers in Japan

2008-10-27T10:09:00.000-07:00

I like Coldplay. I don't love them, but I'll listen and bob my head. This song makes me like Coldplay more.

Genre: Rock/Alternative
Artist: Coldplay
Album: Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends
Song: Lovers in Japan

Rating: 3.5 thumps

What's your rating?

The Rumble Strips - Boys and Girls in Love

2008-10-21T09:46:00.000-07:00

The UK group, The Rumble Strips, brings back a little Counting Crows feel with this up-tempo song, "Boys and Girls in Love."

Genre: Rock/Alternative
Artsit: The Rumble Strips
Album: Girls and Weather
Song: Boys and Girls in Love

Why do I like it?: Fun, peppy song that leads us nicely into autumn.

MGMT - Kids

2008-10-15T11:46:00.001-07:00

Here's another great example of 2 people working together to make fresh sounds. MGMT consists of Ben Goldwasser and Andrew VanWyngarden, former college mates. Sounds familiar, no?

Genre: Alternative / Electronica
Artist: MGMT
Album: Oracle Spectacular
Song: Kids

Why do I like it?: It's been sorta grey here in the northwest, so peppy tunes are my current flavor.

About the video: This is not the official video. From what I can tell, they don't have one yet....

Meck - Feels like home

2008-10-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't know a ton about Meck except that he's from the UK and is a popular dj over there. This particular song has a lot Depeche Mode feel to it that really drew me in initially. This song is also found as a mashup with Madonnna's "Like a Prayer."

Genre: Dance / Alternative
Artist: Meck
Song: Feels like home

Why do I like it?: Roll the windows down baby and drive!

The Killers - Human

2008-10-06T11:38:00.001-07:00

Great, great song. I was totally disappointed with their last album, but this song gives me hope they're back to the basics: Quick and catchy tunes.

Genre: Rock/Pop
Artist: The Killers
Album: Day and Age
Song: Human

Why do I like it?: Makes the head bob up and down without having to think too much.

Leona Lewis - Better in Time

2008-09-30T10:41:00.001-07:00

I told you before, my taste in music is very wide. "Better in Time" by Leona Lewis, Simon Cowell's English protoge, is a great new song.

Genre: Pop/Top 40
Artist: Leona Lewis
Album: Spirit
Song: Better in Time

Why do I like it?: Honestly, this song takes me back to 8th and 9th grade when I'd dance to Mariah Carey songs at my school dance. I wish Mariah sounded like Leona.

This is not the greatest videos quality...Sorry ;)

Leona Lewis - Better In Time
Uploaded by wonderful-life1989

Breathe

2008-09-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Angels and Airwaves is the band former Blink 182 front man Tom DeLonge formed in 2005. I've liked most of their tunes as they're heavy on effects producing full sound.

Genre: Rock/Pop
Artist: Angels and Airwaves
Album: I-Empire
Song: Breathe

Why do I like it?: Powerful, strong love anthem. We have a lot of love songs floating around, but anthems are few and far between.

Falling Slowly

2008-09-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine introduced me to "Falling Slowly" a few weeks ago and my wife and I finally got around to watching the movie it came from, "Once." Brilliant.

There is no official video for the song that I could find, so below is a live performance of "Falling Slowly."

Genre: Folk
Artist: Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
Album: Once (Soundtrack)
Song: Falling Slowly

Why do I like it?: Just a genuine song, sung with passion.

5 Years Time

2008-09-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

This is a great tune I heard on a friend's blog and then just yesterday started hearing it on the radio. Noah and The Whale is the name of this English group that seems to put out fun folksy tunes.

Genre: Folk/Pop
Artist: Noah and The Whale
Album: Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down
Song: 5 Years Time

Why do I like it?: Love the mix of the ukulele and a smooth beat in the background.

Look Up

2008-09-12T09:43:00.001-07:00

Oppenheimer is a fairly new groove coming from Ireland. I really like to find out the make up of bands and these guys are no different. Just two guys who love music kicking out some tunes.

Genre: Electonica/Pop
Artist: Oppenheimer
Album: Take The Whole
Song: Look Up

Why do I like it?: Because it ends so quickly, it definitely leaves me wanting more.

You Don't Know Me

2008-09-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

This is a great match up with Ben Folds and Regina Spektor. Their voices play really well together.

Genre: Pop
Artist: Ben folds and Regina Spektor
Album: Way to Normal
Song: You Don't know Me

Why do I like it:? Catchy simple love tune.

ps - There is one little word in the middle of the song that might surprise you ;)

Love Generation

2008-09-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Bob Sinclar (stage name) is a French DJ who works with artists from around the world. "Love Generation" is actually from 2005, but it's new to me and I like it.

Genre: Dance
Artist: Bob Sinclar
Album: Western Dream
Song: Love Generation

Why do I Like it?: Love the mix of the acoustic guitar and a steady beat. Makes me think summer isn't quite over.

Shattered

2008-09-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

When I went to find this video, I saw a lot of comments that O.A.R. were now sell-outs because their stuff sounded too Top 40's. This blog does not care about a group. I focus on songs that I listen to over and over again. This is one of them.

Genre: Rock
Artist: O.A.R.
Album: All Sides
Song: Shattered

Why do I like it?: This is a good "drive with your windows down on a sunny day" song.

Two Ways Out

2008-08-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-06T22:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-05T08:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-01T09:40:00.000-07:00

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.

New Play List

2008-07-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

By popular request, I've added a play list at the bottom of the page that plays all of the songs I have recently added continuously. To get it playing, simply scroll to the bottom and hit play. If you want to want a particular video, just pause the playlist and play video.

Enjoy!

Home in the Woods

2008-07-31T09:34:00.000-07:00

This is hot off the cutting room floor folks. Heard this song on the radio a few nights ago and it turns out Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons are just embarking on their major label life.

Growing up, we listened to a lot of folk music on our family trips in the minivan along the east coast. So I've always had a love for tight harmonies, acoustic sounds and catchy sing-a-long type tunes.

Their debut EP is called Cabin Ghosts which was recorded in Cory's hometown of Appleton, WI. This song is a live performance that can be found on the EP and as a single off of iTunes.

Genre: Folk/Americana
Artist: Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons
Album: Cabin Ghosts
Song: Home in the Woods

Why do I like it?: The chord progressions are unexpected and very welcomed.

Cory Chisel - Home In The Woods from aaron manders on Vimeo.

I'm not over

2008-07-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

After providing the background music to the MTV show, The Hills, it seems Carolina Liar is on its way to headlining future gigs much larger than an MTV reality show.

Why their name, Carolina Liar? Chad Wolfe, lead singer, is from South Carolina. From what I've read, he seems to be older than most newly signed artists. 20 points to whoever let's us know how old he is.

Genre: Alternative/Americana
Artist: Carolina Liar
Album: Coming to Terms
Song: I'm not over

Why I like it?: Sweet rhythm mixed with catchy tunes makes this song a favorite.

Lucky

2008-07-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

My best friend led me to this seriously cute song. Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat make a great duet that seems effortless.

Genre: Top 40/Folk
Artist: Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillat
Album: We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
Song: Lucky

Why do I like it?: Again, they make a great duet that makes it easy to visualize walking in a park with your best friend.

Black and Gold

2008-07-28T09:21:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine sent this one to me a bit ago. She told me then, and I'll tell you now, listen to this song a few times then come back to it. I liked it okay the first few times, then the following day I listened over and over again.

Genre: Soul/Dance
Artist: Sam Sparro
Album: Sam Sparro
Song: Black and Gold

Why do I like it?: Smooth beats that make you bob your head.

Float

2008-07-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

This song definitely gets turned up on my car stereo if it happens to grace its presence over the airwaves. Floggin Molly has been around now for nearly a decade, with some band members bringing over 20 years in the industry.

This isn't a great video but was the best I could do.

Genre: Folk Rock/Rock
Artist: Flogging Molly
Album: Float
Song: Float

Why do I like it?: I'm a sucker for acoustic sounds and this Irish anthem sucked me in the first time I heard it.

Sometime Around Midnight

2008-07-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

I heard this on the radio recently. You know a song is good when you have to check out the radio station's website to see what/who the song/artist was.

I honestly don't know much about The Airborne Toxic Event. Except that if their name was an acronym, it would be my son's name: TATE.

Genre: Rock/Alternative
Artist: The Airborne Toxic Event
Album: The Airborne Toxic Event (Releasing in Sept. 2008)
Song: Sometime Around Midnight

Why do I like it?: Any rock song that can incorporate strings effectively into a song immediately jumps up in my book.

Say (All I need)

2008-07-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

You'll learn quickly that my tastes in music vary greatly. If a song is good, I'll listen. It doesn't matter the genre nor performer.

One Republic has had an amazing debut year with multiple #1 hits. I'm not sure this song will have the same success, but it's easily their most interesting song.

Genre: Top 40
Artist: One Republic
Album: Dreaming Out Loud
Song: Say (All I Need)

Why do I like it?: The intro is sweet with the synthed vocals. The beat is awfully similar to Apologize, but it works here.

Going Wrong

2008-07-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine showed me this video and I haven't stopped listening. This is Armin Van Buuren featuring Chris Jones: "Going Wrong."

Armin's widely considered one of the top DJ's in the world and collaborates with vocalists to pump out his tunes.

Genre: Dance/Techno
Artist: Armin Van Buuren Featuring Chris Jones
Album: Imagine
Song: Going Wrong

Why do I like it?: Catchy and simple. And I love the acoustic sound used in the chorus.

What do you think?