Kid Sister – “Daydreamin’”
A cousin’s neighbor’s uncle’s half brother’s best friend’s study buddy of mine actually knows Kid Sister. True story. Knowing that I could potentially be best friends with a musical genius, I decided to explore Kid Sister’s melodious workings. I decided she’s pretty good. So now you can say a cousin’s neighbor’s blah blah blah knows Kid Sister and you guys are pretty much best friends.
Eliza Doolittle – “Rollerblades”
Do you hear that? It sounds a bit like lemonade stands, swimming pools, and freeze pops. Eliza Doolittle has a few intriguing and enjoyable hits which include this little delight with “Rollerblades.” I’ll support anyone who tries to creatively bring back a token of my childhood. This song even inspires me to lace up the ‘ol inline skates and practice by backwards couple skate maneuvers. Memories.
Iron and Wine – “Boy With a Coin”
Iron and Wine… like liver and Cabernet or shrimp and Merlot OR this singer-songwriter from South Carolina. The clapping paralleling with the guitar strumming in this song inspires for me an immediate reaction of toe tapping and enjoyment. Plus, he plays a banjo. Banjos have and will always be fun. If you dare to argue I’ll thumb wrestle you…to death.
Galt Aureus – “Citadels”
The best part about this song is the dramatic, instrumental breakdown where if you owned a colorful ribbon attached to stick you could wave it back and forth in joyful celebration. If you’ve yet to purchase your ribbon wand, then you can simply use your first in pounding gestures to show your enthusiasm for what this dynamic duo, Galt Aureus (pronounced galt AWR-ee-uhs) has done with the song “Citadels.”
Rev Theory – “Hell Yeah”
The title of this song sends you the immediate disclaimer that it may induce whip lash…you know from head banging. If you’re not into head banging a faster paced toe tap will get the job done. It’s one of those songs where you may not remember any other lyrics aside from “Hell Yeah” but you remember it made you feel motivated…or sore…you know, from head banging.
Esmee Denters – “Love Dealer”
“Is that…no it can’t be…but it looks just like him.” Yes, it is Justin Timberlake showing his support for the equally talented Esmee Denters in this hip-hop single. Not sure why this song hasn’t blow up big on the Top 40 charts yet, but it gives us the opportunity to share it with you first.
Aloe Blacc – I Need A Dollar
We’ve all had that single dollar bill just burning in our pockets with no additional bill or coin friends to share the space. That dollar just longs to find its meaning in life. Well, Aloe Blacc wants to help. Aloe Blacc politely asks for a dollar the way he knows best: via song in this soul/R&B/jazz number. It’s also the intro number for the HBO show How to Make It in America, so it’s paving its way into the hearts of many.
Plan B – The Recluse
I like rap. I like soul. I like boys. Combine those three and there really is no reason why I wouldn’t like Plan B’s “The Recluse.” Plan B’s full name is Benjamin Paul Balance – Drew which helps to explain his reasoning behind the shorter, less confusing, artist name. This song is catchy and, if you close your eyes, you can imagine a high intensity scene from a movie where the main character is running away from something…maybe it’s the cops, maybe its humanity in general…maybe you should just take a listen.
Britt Nicole – Walk On Water
We all need a little inspiration now and then, and sometimes that inspiration comes in the form of a beautiful melody with some tinkling piano in the background. I first heard Britt Nicole’s “Walk On Water” while watching an intensely emotional episode of “Biggest Loser.” Thanks to the lovely phone app Shazam, I was able to lock down just who sang the song and here were are. Grab some free weights and prepare to be motivated.
The 88 – They Ought To See You Now
If you think these guys’ sound is a little familiar, cue up an episode of “Community” and enjoy the theme song. Does that settle your little earworm? Good. Now I can provide you with a brand new one with “They Ought To See You Know,” a crazy fun, upbeat rock track that sounds like something that could play alongside Smash Mouth and Fastball on a late ‘90s pop-rock mix. There’s no way to hate this song, even if you don’t love it. But I think you’re gonna love it. Love away:
Frankie J – I Need You
While I can’t deny the fact that occasionally there are club/dance tracks that I do thoroughly enjoy, it should be stated that they have to fit a certain number of criteria. For one, the beat has to be hot and grindy (“I Need You” is), the artist doing the vocals has to be legitimately talented (Frankie J is), and it has to be something that incites me to break out in a full-bodied dance, even while driving a car (check). If it can’t do all those things, I’m not interested, but I’m interested in this song because, ya know, it does do all those things.
Agnes Obel – Riverside
Do a Google image search on Danish singer Agnes Obel and what pops up are loads of picture that feature what seems to be a pretty cute blonde with gorgeous blue eyes dressed in the kind of gear you’d expect to be worn by the Little Women or the House on the Prairie girls. Maybe that’s her shtick. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter, because even if she draped herself in seaweed and stepped into steel-toed combat boots, “Riverside,” would still be a haunting and gorgeous song.
The Smooth Maria – “Abandoned Town”
This song is so simple, it just might work. Enjoy sweeping vocals and a simple acoustic guitar melody. Perfect for that fall day that just won’t quit. I’m not even sure what that means, but I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy it.
The Aggrolites – “Firecracker”
Funky fresh? Check. Silky smooth? Check. Hippity Hoppity? Check. You’ll get it all with this tasty jam from The Aggrolites. You’ll be up and out of your chair in 10 seconds flat.
Kids of 88 – “My House”
Retro and rockin’, this jam from Kids of 88 will take you back to the days of synthesizers and reckless youth. Super trendy drum beats and a catchy chorus are enough to have anyone humming this bad boy. Check it before you wreck it.
