Starbucks recently released their 2009 version of the Sweetheart album, featuring super talented artists like She & Him, Death Cab For Cutie, A.C. Newman, Jem, Rogue Wave and many more. The entire compilation is FAB from beginning to end. Trust me! Run to your nearest Starbucks!
She & Him “I Put A Spell On You”
Like it?
Then support the Sweetheart album here.
Erin McCarley’s debut album Love, Save the Empty may be peppy from time to time, but it’s got long lasting punch that will captivate you until you realize the album’s been on repeat for hours. Her honesty and lush vocals have a depth that could make any artist green with envy.
Like ‘em?
Then support Erin McCarley here.
Now here’s a nice little surprise! Our new favorite band, The Bird and the Bee covering Rhianna’s hit “Don’t Stop The Music.” By stripping the original of it’s heavy beats and staccato vocals, the duo creates a completely new song that is light, airy and completely effervescent.
It’s barely recognizable, but totally amazing!
Right click to download:
“Don’t Stop The Music”
Buy more songs by
The Bird and the Bee here.
Following up on Tuesday’s blog about the Magistrates. . . here’s their single “Make This Work”! Enjoy their funky, self-proclaimed dirty grooves – it’ll make get your weekend off to a bang!
Right click to download
Like it?
Then support the Magistrates here.
It’s the second day of the New Year, and like you I have many questions about what’s to come. What will 2009 bring? Who will it bring? When? So today, I find comfort in Pompeii’s sweeping track “What Kind of Future”, because it shows that at least we’re together in the uncertainty of what’s in store. . .
Right click to download.
Like it?
Then support Pompeii here.
Here’s one more nod to Gladys Knight & the Pips’ Christmas album That Special Time of Year in celebration of New Year’s this week. Their track “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve” is another favorite of mine, so enjoy! And have a happy and safe 2009, whatever you may be doing New Year’s Eve!
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve
Right click to download
Like it?
Then support Gladys Knight & the Pips here.
‘Tis the season for old songs to be made new again. Like Death Cab for Cutie’s rendition of the 1963 song “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” as part of the compilation album Maybe This Christmas Tree (2004).
Death Cab for Cutie “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
Right click to download
Like it?
Then support the artists of Maybe This Christmas Tree here.
Gladys Knight & the Pips Christmas album That Special Time of Year from 1980 is still my favorite (although the Hotel Cafe compilation from this year is a close second). So, here’s a little taste of another track I love. Enjoy and happy holidays!!
Santa Claus is Comin to Town (with Shanga)
Right click to download
Like it?
Then Support Gladys Knight & the Pips here.
As promised, here is Joshua Radin’s track “Vegetable Car” off Simple Times. His acoustic guitar is straightforward and inviting, and the lyrics are just plain sweet. ”Baby, you don’t even know me. . .” dum da dum. . . “She drives a vegetable car. . . I’d sure like to ask you to stay.” Did I mention there are hand claps? Love it.
Right click to download.
Like it?
Then support Joshua Radin here.
Okkervil River’s latest album The Stand Ins is packed full of great tunes. A satisfying listen from top to bottom, their track “Pop Lie” is upbeat and reminiscent of pop music past. And it gives me happy thoughts thanks to the hand claps and driving pick up drums.
Right Click to Download:
Like it?
Then support Okkervil River here.
Snow Patrol’s fifth album A Hundred Million Suns’ release is just days away, but no need to wait! We’ve got the album and it’s classic SP – driving melodies, pointed lyrics and some hand claps every now and then, a favorite around here (see below!). Old SP fans will be content, and new fans will definitely be hooked by the spacey, rocket ship inspired indie tunes.
Right Click to Download:
Like it?
Then support Snow Patrol here.
Ray LaMontagne’s track “Hey Me, Hey Mama” is bluesy and soulful, and resurrects a down home feeling with every beat. It evokes visions of Ray and his band on a sagging front porch, a little kid playing on a washboard as they all sway to the beat.
Right Click to Download:
Like it?
Then support Ray LaMontagne here.
It’s no secret Jack’s Mannequin is a favorite around here. Andrew McMahon’s sophomore album The Glass Passenger is fantastic from start to finish. The rolling melodies and meaningful lyrics of “Crashing” are especially addicting.
Right Click to Download:
Crashing
Then support Jack’s Mannequin here.
Web: Hooded Fang
