Owl City – “Fireflies”

This song definitely has that “something different” that’s extremely refreshing.   Check it out, but be warned: It’s extremely infectious and you’ll probably break your iPod listening to it 1,000 times in one day.

Amanda Blank – “Make It Take It”

So this song kinda sounds like the Tings Tings on crack (if that’s even possible.)  It has a very unique sound that lends to its rhythmic…oh, who cares this song kicks ass.

Crash Kings – “Mountain Man”

Just had to throw in a song that just flat-out ROCKS.  Very White Stripey awesomeness with a side of straight up rock and roll.  Very tasty.

Ok, so some of you might already know about Ray LaMontagne.  But after his latest album, Gossip In the Grain, I feel as if he deserves a special mention for all of you out there that haven’t already fallen in love with his voice (and his beard.)  And if you haven’t heard of him yet, Happy Birthday!  This is my gift to you.

Ray LaMontagne first paraded onto the scene with the release of his first album Trouble in 2004.  I guess he didn’t literally “parade” onto the scene.  That would be a bit unnecessary and over dramatic.  Unless there was candy involved. Then I guess it would be ok.

But this particular album didn’t really climb its way up the charts upon its release, but still sold a solid number of copies in the U.S. and also made its way into my highly acclaimed mp3 player.  The interesting thing about Ray (we’re on a first-name basis) is that he started off as a shoe factory worker and quit his job to become a singer-songwriter. (Source: Wikipedia…isn’t that ironic?)  I think this fact makes his music all the more awesom to me.  Knowing that a regular guy could just decide to make powerful music one day instead of 65 hours at a shoe factory.  Personally, I’d choose the shoe factory, but that’s just me…

In 2006, he released his second album, Till the Sun Turns Black,  which made its way even higher on the Billboard charts.  And, like most singer-songwriters, a few of his songs were featured in such television dramas as “ER” and “One Tree Hill.”  But don’t let that sway you into thinking he’s like every other singer-songwriter out there.  His powerful lyrics are accompanied by the music in a way that makes it sound more like moving poetry rather than a poppy song written about how pretty your girlfriend’s eyes are or why you love puppies.  I don’t exactly have examples of songs about the aforementioned subjects, but I’m assuming they’re out there.

But the true culmination of Ray LaMontagne’s ability came with the release of his most recent album, Gossip In the Grain.  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the first two albums.  I’m just a big Ray LaMontagne fan.  But this latest work brings his musical talent to a fuller extent with the use of a more produced sound and more resources at his disposal.  You can tell a lot of time and effort went into the album and it shows on every track.  I personally recommend “Let It Be Me” and “Meg White”, but the opening track is probably the most popular (and I still completely dig it):

I know it’s not actually a music video, but I wanted to give you a taste of the music (otherwise this would turn out to be a pretty crappy birthday present.)  Check out the entire album below:

Amazon Music

iTunes

Like Ray LaMontagne? Check out Amos Lee!

Amos Lee is one of those guys that avoids main stream like a middle schooler avoids deodorant, although Amos Lee’s reasons are probably a little more practical.  He’s been compared by me to Norah Jones; exhibiting the same smooth, melodic vocal qualities inherent in her voice (in obviously a more male fashion.)  His simple melodies are enhanced by his voice which transform his songs into such beautiful pieces of art, they honestly make unicorns cry.  And for those of you that know, that’s a hard thing to do.

Amos Lee first caught the attention of (who else) Norah Jones in 2003 where he was offered to join her 2004 tour.  Shortly after in 2005, he released his first studio-recorded, self-titled album Amos Lee (bet you didn’t see that coming) where it received praise from Rolling Stone magazine and offered Lee a slew of guest appearances on popular television shows.  I personally recommend checking out the songs “Arms of a Woman”, “Dreamin” and “Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight”, although every song on the album deserves recognition.

His second album, Supply and Demand, hit record stores in 2006 and offered a track list that rivaled the raw emotions and melodies captured in his previous album but with an overall fuller, upbeat sound.  You may recognize his song “Sweet Pea” as featured on the recent popular AT&T advertisements.

Or check out the video for the title track:

I also highly recommend the songs “Southern Girl”, “The Wind” and “Sympathize.”  I would also recommend checking him out live.  His tour dates are currently few and far between, but if you can find him it will be more awesome than getting two prizes in your cereal box.  I promise.

Check out Supply and Demand:

Amazon Music

iTunes

Like Amos Lee? Check out Landon Pigg!