Today: Something New

I'm enjoying the new album from The Mynabirds, "Generals."



 I love all the different rhythms and drum beats of "Body of Work." It is such an interesting sound. The vocals add another drumming rhythm to the song. So cool!

Today: Something New

Fang Island is a little more party-rock than the mellow stuff I usually include in playlists. But "Asunder" off their upcoming record, "Major," out in July, is one song I really want to blast in my car while I'm driving around this summer.



I like that the backing track is a constant fun, head-banging lite beat while the vocals work smoothly over the top. The low-key break at the 2:30 mark allows the momentum to build again.

Today: Something New

I've always liked Jukebox the Ghost for their quirky songs. Their new record, "Safe Travels," is a mixed bag of sounds.



I really like the rock vibe of "At Last." It is kind of different than my other favorite songs of theirs. It tells a story. Also check out upbeat song, "Ghosts In Empty Houses."

Today: Something New

Emeli Sande has been blowing up in Britain and Europe for the past six months or so. And with her album, "Our Version of Events," released in the States last week, it won't be long until she's widely known here as well. One of my friends just asked me about her so that is a good sign she is on her way.



I like her ballads more than her more hip-hop influenced tracks. My favorite is "River." Her voice is incredibly clear and powerful.

Today: Something New

I have a good friend who is a big Spinto Band fan. Their new album, "Shy Pursuit," has some songs that would make good additions to summer playlists.



My favorite track on the record is "Muesli." They've been playing it live for a couple years, so it's about time we got a studio recording. I love guitar riff after chorus.

Today: Something New

Something new for Friday. I love Mika though he is a very different kind of artist than I usually post about. This is pure pop.



I loved Mika's first album. His sophomore attempt wasn't quite the same level of pop magic. But I really like his new single, "Celebrate" ft. Pharrell. It is actually very low-key for him, but great for summer.

Today: Something New

I've posted about Ed Sheeran before. He's one of my favorite artists right now. His new album "+" was released in the USA this week.



This song is free on itunes this week and was previously released on an EP last year, which means there is a chance that this will be his first venture into real mainstream popularity (he's already had success in Britain). But for good reason. "The A Team" is incredibly catchy and the melody is so simple and soft-spoken, but I love alternating chord jumps. I also really love that you can still hear his accent.



I think this song is beautiful. The guitar and the piano alternate with the melody. And his voice is beautiful singing about "Autumn Leaves." I love how the song just floats away at the end.

My other favorites are "Lego House" and "Sunburn." Also check out "U.N.I." and "Gold Rush" for his faster songs; it's almost like he's rap-singing.

Today: Something New

This song is a little strange, but I like it. I always like when whistling adds a little something - as long as you don't get carried away like Andrew Bird. Here Suckers mixes it up with some falsetto and hints of electronic pop.



Though there a melancholy vibe, like the lyrics say, it's not "Chinese Braille," so it can't be that bad. I definitely want to check out the rest of their album, "Candy Salad."

Today: Something New

The newest record from The Tallest Man On Earth, "There's No Leaving Now," was released today. Kristian Matsson is like a Swedish Bob Dylan. I love what he does with the guitar in his songs.



I love the train-like rhythm of "Revelation Blues." The guitar part is stellar. I can see the simple vocal melody is just riding the guitar train across a prairie or something. The best line: "Sometimes it's just roses dying too young."



I absolutely love the chorus of "Criminals." The melody of "this Napoleon ride" is wonderful. I love the plucky guitar as well.

Today: Something New

Not only is their name band awesome, Trampled by Turtles, but their sound is also great.



I love the strings on "Arrow" from the album "Stars and Satellites." A bit folky but very indie and perfect for a mellow summer night. This is just a beautiful song.

Today: Something Borrowed

Sometimes covers make more of an impact than the original version. Ra Ra Riot has a new cover of Steve Winwood's "Valerie."



In 2004, Eric Prydz released "Call On Me," a house cover that will always remind me of dance parties in college. This cover is a nice middle ground of the two. Very 70s influenced but you can tell they are having fun with the sound.

Today: Something New

I love me some Icelandic indie folk rock. With "My Head Is an Animal," Of Monsters and Men have their first full length record. And it is wonderful. I can listen to the whole thing over and over.



My favorite right now is "King and Lionheart." I love the harmonies. Nanna and Ragnar sound so great together. I also love all the guitar parts weaving together.

Today: Something New

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros are somewhat hit or miss for me. I loved their debut song, "Home," but some of their other songs I just don't get. Their new album, "Here," continues in that vein for me.



This song, "Dear Believer," sounds a lot like The Beatles to me. In the feel and the simple verses. Like something George Harrison would put out if he were making music today. The chorus has a more choral feel, which makes sense since the band is ten members strong. I love this band best when they utilize their horns and accordion. And don't go too out there.

Today: Something New

Continuing in my songs for summer playlist is "Moving to Neptune" from Cruiser. I love the summery beach feel of this song.



The guitar riff is great throughout this song and the vocals are super mellow but catchy. I love the different sounds of the verses and the chorus. Check out their self-titled EP.

Today: Something New

My love for Keane has been long standing. There new album, "Strangeland," shows how they have evolved from their earlier projects. I always love the piano in Keane's song, and the piano in the chorus of "Disconnected" compliments the vocals nice. There are really good harmonies there.

Today: Something New

The ever-magical Regina Spektor released a new album this week, "What We Saw From the Cheap Seats."



I am so jealous of her range. Her jumps are crazy! And the way she uses her voice as an instrument. I think the most striking quality of her songs is what she chooses to repeat. Emphasizing something different with each repetition. My only complaint about "Small Town Moon" is that it is so short.