Regina Spektor – “Laughing With”
I’ve always loved Regina Spektor. Her voice is heavenly and her music is generally fun-loving and very heartfelt. This song still keeps that fun-loving feeling, but tosses in a little more serious subject matter. Kind of threw me off at first, but now I’m really digging it. You’ve done it again Regina. You’ve done it again.
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Death Cab for Cutie – “Little Bribes”
It’s a new one from Death Cab for Cutie. Very catchy, very awesome. That’s about it.
Amazon Music
Delta Spirit – “Trashcan”
Some hard kickin’ drums and piano. Sort of Raconteurs meets Ben Folds meets the Rolling Stones. How can that be? It just can. Like unicorns and gumdrops.
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LikeMat Kearney – “Closer to Love”
I had the pleasure of working a gig with Mat back in 2007. I have been a long time fan of his music and his new release “City Of Black & White” does not disappoint. The first single “Closer to Love” is getting a lot of radio play in major markets this summer. If you are not familiar with Mat you need to get acquainted right now! And don’t stress over the fact that he spells his first name with only one “T”. I will give you a “T” later if you like.
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Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears – “Sugarfoot”
This track is hott! (There you go, your missing “T” courtesy of Kearney.) If these Texas natives are not on you music radar, well your radar needs to be repaired. These guys are bringing raw, funky, new blues on to the scene in a major way. Their music is off the charts. And in my opinion, they have one of the best band names out there right now.
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Daniel Merriweather – “Change”
A fan of Robin Thicke and Justin Timberlake are you? Do you find yourself saying, “yeah, but I wish they were Australian.” Problem solved. Welcome Daniel Merriweather to the stage. Daniel has a great R&B and soul vibe and knows how to partner up with industry heavyweights. His first full length album “Love and War” has already dropped in several countries. It will hit the United States in October 2009. In the meantime, our American readers can buy the import or enjoy the first single “Change” featuring Wale. This is a heavy rotation song for me right now.
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Very rarely do I discover artists via commercials. In fact, most of the time I blatantly avoid listening to songs that appear in commercials for the mere fact that…well, they’re in commercials. That being said, I’ve found one pleasant exception: Landon Pigg.
His recent single, “Falling In Love at a Coffee Shop”, has been hitting the rounds on a number of television shows and commercials ranging from Grey’s Anatomy to the most recent AT&T wireless ads. Going against my own rules, I have to say that if I didn’t already have a phone, I would have switched to AT&T yesterday if only to feel more connected to Landon Pigg. Honestly, if you slapped his song on QVC I’d probably come home with all sorts of non-stick cookware and pewter statues of kittens.
The smooth tone of his voice and simple, original melodies make him an artist to keep your eye on in the future. He has the power to deliver raw emotion with his music without the use of a full band for that extra something. Mostly because he doesn’t even need the extra something. He laughs at extra something.
He currently only has an EP out entitled Coffee Shop with the song that’s made him an overnight hit, but is due to release his much-anticipated album, The Boy Who Never, in August of this year. Check out “Falling In Love at a Coffee Shop”:
Landon Pigg will also make his big-screen debut in the upcoming movie “Whip It” alongside Juno starlett Ellen Page. But don’t let his movie stardom fool you. He’s a songwriter through and through and hasn’t even touched the table scraps of his possible potential. So “bring home the bacon” by picking up Landon Pigg’s album. And buy an AT&T phone.
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Like Landon Pigg? Check out Andrew Ripp!
You need to smile more. Zee Avi will help with that. Prepare to be shocked at the old soul voice that comes from this little darling. Be more shocked that I used the phrase “little darling”.
Zee’s voice is like pink cotton candy floating on a warm breeze. Or maybe it’s more like melting butter pooling on a hot waffle. You know, I have to remember to stop skipping breakfast. Bottom line – Zee’s voice is amazing. Her delivery is soft and controlled, but don’t be fooled. Beneath the surface hides incredible vocal power that is waiting to be unleashed on your ears.
It was no surprise to me when I heard that she signed with Jack Johnson’s label, Brushfire Records. Her style fits so well with their stable of talent. Zee essentially was discovered through YouTube. Yes, the same YouTube that brings us grown men getting hit in the berries with a wiffle bat. And while it is true that I never stop laughing at those unfortunate souls, it is great to have wonderful talent discovered through that medium. Zee posted her songs so that her long distance friends could enjoy and before long, the music industry types came knocking. Calls were made. Deals were inked. Her album was just released. Just that simple.
Her self-titled first album, “Zee Avi“, does not disappoint. With so much overproduced music out there right now it is great to have some pure tracks to get you singing along. I personally enjoy “Poppy”, “Monte”, and “Darling”. Her first single “Bitter Heart” will no doubt make waves this summer.
Check out her video “Bitter Heart” right here at Fresh Scouts!
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Like Zee Avi? Check out Mieka Pauley!
Pendulum – “Propane Nightmares”
Ok, so even though the video is admittedly kind of scary (if you know what the hell is actually going on), this song definitely rocks. For the subject matter, it has a contradictory up-beat dance flavor while still retaining its rock undertones.
iTunes
People In Planes – “Last Man Standing”
People In Planes are still relatively new to the music scene, but this song has been stuck in my head for many a day now. I haven’t really checked out any of their other music yet (I’ll get to that), but I thought I’d get this song to your ears sooner rather than later. Wouldn’t want to be the “last man standing” that hasn’t heard this song yet. That was lame.
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The Black Keys – “Strange Times”
Definitely pulling on some Raconteurs spices, The Black Keys know how to rock the funk-grunge scene. This is one of those songs I started hearing more often without actually knowing who sang the song. Now that I know, you should too. The Black Keys are definitely a group to keep on your radar.
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