Just having the word “Twilight” in its title, this song probably upped it’s Google hits by 10,000% in the 12-17 year-old female demographic, but you don’t have to love Edward Cullen to love this song. Trust us, this has nothing to do with Stephanie Meyer. Instead, we get a haunting piano piece with a smooth, driving drumbeat and emotional vocals typical of something you’d hear out of Coldplay. Except it’s not Coldplay, so it has that going for it.
Mojo Morgan – “Million $ Check”
If you took the sound of somebody breaking wind and ran in through a synthesizer, you’d have the surprisingly catchy bass line of this new cut from Mojo Morgan. Clean guitars supplement that musical elephant stomp for an R&B track that can’t do anything other than make you smile and tap the hell out of your toes.
David Nail – “Turning Home”
We don’t like our country music to lean too heavily towards pop music, but we also don’t like it to sound like someone named Billy Bob Joe Robbie is singing lead. Somewhere in the middle is ideal, and David Nail, whose “Red Light” is up for a CMA,” absolutely “nails” that happy medium (get it?). “Turning Home” is a nice relaxing country ballad with just enough rhythm to make you hit the steering wheel with the butt of your palm when the chorus kicks in.
This amazingly beautiful track just feels right. The soft vocals, pounding drum beat and overall airy sound makes it a song that begs to be listened to. These Australian boys have a great thing going with their album, Conditions. “Sweet Disposition” is popping up all over the place and I was reminded of its brilliance when it sprang up in the film (500) Days of Summer. I guarantee that this track will find its way into heavy rotation on your play list.
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Erik Hassle – “Hurtful”
Swedish Fish are my favorite candies. I guess it is no surprise that I like Erik Hassle. I mean, he is from Sweden and his hair is bright red. Glaring similarities to my favorite candies aside, I really am digging his single, “Hurtful”. His style reminds me a lot of the poppy soul singing of Gavin DeGraw. This track is sweet. Sweet like candy.
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Kina Grannis – “Valentine”
Back in 2007, Kina Grannis got big time exposure when her track ““Message From Your Heart” won an on-line contest and was aired during the Super Bowl. 97 million views got a glimpse of Kina. Not a bad start to a music career, huh? Kina’s style embodies the sunny California coffeehouse scene. “Valentine” is a warm and fuzzy kinda song that is good not only in February, but all year round.
A little electronic mixed with hefty hand clapping makes the simplicity of this song completely unique. Add in an old blues man voice and it’s something you’ve never heard before. Plus, the guy has two last names so that counts for something.
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Helping Haiti – “Everybody Hurts”
A classic song already, “Everybody Hurts” has been re-made to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake. A great song plus a great cause is a winner in our book.
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Brandi Carlile – “Dreams”
We loves us some Brandi Carlile. This song has some rockin’ acoustic with her signature pipes. It’s very melodic and has some pretty great harmonies. You’ll know by the end that Brandi Carlile has dreams. Oh yes, she’s got dreams.
For anybody getting tired of the ridiculously snowy winter months, check out this song and imagine yourself cruising on a highway in a red, drop-top convertible, en route to absolutely nowhere. Maybe the lyrics don’t scream “road trip,” but you could definitely use this song to lay over a montage of driving with your hair in the wind. I’m just saying. These guys make their U.S. television debut on Letterman later tonight, so set your Tivos for 10:35 CT and get yourselves a little preview. It’s good stuff.
Suzi Ragsdale – “Troublemaker”
Somewhere in between country and blues is this toe-tapping diddy from Suzi Ragsdale and Rodney Crowell. It’s catchy as hell, and what makes it even more interesting is that Ragsdale doesn’t just do music—she’s also a pusher of yoga and fine foods. I swear to God I’m not making this up.
Flobots – “White Flag Warrior”
FreshScouts believes strongly in what the Flobots do. Musically they know how to walk the tightrope between hip-hop and rock where a lot of fusion artists fall short, but mostly we love that these guys actually stand for something. Lead vocalist Jonny 5 is a talented cat, and this new cut from the guys does some cool stuff with off-beats while still managing to bring what we’d expect from a hot Flobots track. Throw in the fact that Tim McIlrath from Rise Against is featured on the track, and you’ve got a winner.
“Annie” is the third single off SafetySuit’sLife Left to Go album. These alt-rockers are on a roll with radio friendly crowd pleasing music. Vh1 has really supported these guys and their tracks are spinning on the regular over there.
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Eli “Paperboy” Reed – “Take My Love With You”
When I listen to Eli “Paperboy” Reed it is like I just took a trip back in time with my DeLorean. His old school soul music is just what is needed at the upcoming Enchantment Under the Sea dance*. This modern day soul-man is about to bring back a music genre that will make everything feel alright.
*I just recently watched Back to the Future, so that may have slightly influenced this review.
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Fight From Above – “Between the Curves”
I am addicted to this song. I have just recently discovered the indie-pop/rock powerhouse, Fight From Above. These energetic southern California boys have something good cooking. The video for “Between the Curves” is vibrant, colorful and exciting. I guess what I am saying is that their music hits me the same way a bag of sugar hits me. Enjoy!
