I can’t get enough of James Vincent McMorrow’s sound at the moment. His latest album Early in the Morning, for lack of a better description, is just something else. I love the easy-going, backwoods country vibe (thanks in part to frequent banjo appearances), while his vocals are raspy and infused with bluesy tones full of emotion. The whole album, up and down, is just plain cool.

Check out his latest single “This Old Dark Machine” below. . . you’ll be glad you did.

I’m kinda digging Eddie Vedder’s latest single “Longing to Belong,” the first off his new solo album Ukelele Songs, which comes out in May. I heard the song and instantly became a fan thanks to the pretty cello in the background.

Don’t get me wrong, the ukelele sounds cool, but I’m a sucker for a bit of classical strings. It always adds such a beautiful, earnest energy to any song (in the right time and place, of course). Take a listen below. . .

 Eddie Vedder – Longing to Belong by ThePEAK

Ukelele Songs will be released on May 31 and features original songs by Vedder that were played live, but never officially released and from as far back as a decade ago. The tracklist includes a version of Pearl Jam’s “Can’t Keep,” along with guest vocals from Cat Power on “Tonight You Belong To Me” and Glen Hansard on a cover of “Sleepless Nights” (Everly Brothers).         Sounds like Vedder will be on a solo tour this summer too.

Recently, I overheard some contemplation over why slow motion is so cool. One proposal was because it makes everything seem like the beginning of a really cool 80s television show. I think it makes everyone look extra glamorous and fierce, no matter what they’re up to. Perhaps it’s the wind blowing through the hair action, and the unwavering looks of determination enhanced by the absence of blinking?

Take this newer Scissor Sisters’ video for their single “Any Which Way”. There’s super sassy dance moves, running with flags, jumping through plastic cups and some strange lamp stand and alarm clock posing going on here. And really, the parts in slo-mo are exactly as predicted, despite the odd (but very euro-fresh) behavior. Cool.

I think the hand on hips dancing is pretty nifty as well. Sassy!

I’m sure you’ve had a similar conversation over beers. . . you know the one, where friends and new pals sit around and try to guess what instrument the other played in school. Between band and orchestra, if you played one, chances are you were a dork or geek in some form or fashion.  Right on, I say! And I, for many serious reasons only a 10 year old can think of, chose to play the cello. Needless to say, I still think any string instrument is not only beautiful to hear, but more than easy on the eyes. I suppose we’ll always be orchestra nerds and band geeks at heart!

But geek or not, these framed vintage violin forms from Jayson Home & Garden would make anyone stop and stare. The design is not too over the top or in your face. . . instead it’s a simple, quiet nod to the beauty these instruments exude, and what’s not to like about that? They’re full of history and well, they’re just plain pretty, let’s face it. I’d love to see more forms framed too. . . could you imagine a big ole’ bass form hanging on your wall? Now that would be totally cool. Bum bum bum. . . buuuuuummmm.

Do you love playing fake guitar so much, you don’t even remember your life before Guitar Hero? Sure. Yes. And do you love it so much, you’d contemplate starting a sham band to go along with your phony shredding prowess? I have, yes. What about wearing your mini guitar right smack on your chest, so you could melt pretend fans’ faces with your sick skillz? That’s exactly what the nerdy nerds over at ThinkGeek have drummed up just for people like you (see how I took myself out of this last part of the equation? Mmmhmm yes), and boy have they hit the ticket. [Insert devil horns here] It’s an electronic guitar t-shirt!

But you go ahead, go on with your bad self. Light those screaming crowds on fire with your chest guitar! It even comes with its own mini-amp to really blow their minds!! Surely even just a crowd of 2 would be impressed. . . and it’s such a small price to pay for a few minutes of wicked glory!

The very indie, very pop eccentric trio Unicycle Loves You (also known as ULY for those who love to be word lazy!) recently released Mirror, Mirror after taking a quick 2 year break since their debut. Plucking inspiration from kitschy cult horror films and science fiction, ULY (yes I’m word lazy today) like to appear playful and then transport you somewhere you weren’t expecting.

While some tracks like “Justine” and “Mountain Lungs” clip along, the title track “Mirror, Mirror” is a tranquil, dreamy anthem for those slow days of summer. Available September 7, 2010, you can get your very own ULY fix below with the video for “Justine” and a FREE download of the newest single “Mirror, Mirror”. Happy listening!

“Mirror, Mirror”

Right click to download

Happy 2nd birthday to brönette!!!

Somebody’ an official terrible TWO!

No, I’m not trying to give you advice. Music does make the world go round though, so starting a band would be a very positive thing to do! But, “You Should Start a Band” is also the title of Austin, Texas band the Frontier Brothers‘ latest track.

And I must say, I love the HEYS and oh oh oh ohwah oh a oh ohs, because those always make for a good time, no? Check out the video below for a listen, and if you dig the track too, be sure to download the song! I mean, it’s FREE, and there’s really no harm in getting a few “oh-wah ohs” on of your own.

The Frontier Brothers- “You Should Start a Band”  mp3

(Right click to download)

Sweden’s trio Little Majorette or more than a little addicting. Lead vocalist Zoe Durrant has a compelling tone and her current band mates, Petter Winnberg and Nils Törnqvist, do an extra special job of making their latest single “Bite the Bullet” sound one-of-a-kind.

And I’ll be honest, there are sounds and instruments in there that leave me scratching my head, but in a good way of course. I just mean I don’t what the heck they are, but I really like that whistling, polka-like backbeat. Makes me wish I could whistle along, but thanks to my major lack of skill in that area, I’ll settle for tapping my foot and bobbing my head to this happy number. Be sure to keep checking their sites too, because as of April 26th “Bite the Bullet” and other fun and syncopated morsels will be available for purchase. Tack så mycket!

Check out Deluka’s video for “Cascade” below, cause if you like hand claps as much as I do, you’ll love this song! And just because it’s your lucky day, you can also download the acoustic version of “Cascade” for FREE over in our Listen Up! section. Woot woot.

Check out Montreal’s very own electro-pop duo Hexes & Ohs. . . they’re very erm, electric and cute in melody and style. With tracks like “Little Bird” and “H-H-H-Highschool” , their latest album Bedroom Madness is full of fun and charming tunes perfect for the warm summer months ahead. Be sure to download the FREE track below! Because what’s better than a free music filled Friday?? Exactly. Nuttin’.

One look at the blog post title today and you’re probably thinking, no duh, it’s Wednesday, nice one. Right, I know. . . but what you don’t know is there’s also a super fun and FREE mp3 entitled “Wednesday” available below! The first single off Rene Lopez’s latest full-length album People Are Just People out May 4th, “Wednesday” is infused with catchy sprinkles of pop and soul, full of 60’s dance beats that’ll get you up and moving.

So like my momma taught me, I’m gonna get my groove on by doing the frug (say FROog) in my new but old gingham, polyester pant suit. Oh yeah. Did I mention there are hand claps?! Sa-weet.

“Wednesday” MP3

Right click link to download

Hey there! Hopefully you all had a great weekend, and if you didn’t well. . . just take a second or two to watch the videos by Norwegian songstress Marit Larsen below and add a little cheer to your week!

New York City singer, songwriter and gifted painter Sebastian Blanck will release his debut LP Alibi Coast this June. And if you enjoy the dreamy, poetic folk rock of Simon & Garfunkel, you will definitely enjoy Blanck’s fresh and emotional take on the genre.  A true expression of his paintings, his melodies and lush vocals are colorful in sound and dripping in serenity and subtle sweetness.

Alibi Coast features contributions from Caroline Polachek of Chairlift, like the tender track below entitled “Thunder” available for a listen or your very own FREE download. For more about Sebastian Blanck and the emotions behind is paintings and music, click here.

Sebastian Blanck “Thunder” by rare book room records