Are you feeling worn out? Down in the dumps? Need to relax after a long stressful day? Tired of being asked questions? Well, I have just the thing to make you feel alright. Listening to the ethereal music of One eskimO is a sure-fire way to take the edge off and smooth you out. I have been self-medicating with the tunes of One eskimO for a few months now and I must say that I am feeling all good.
One eskimO is captained by chill-artist extraordinaire, Kristian Leontiou. Kristian and his merry band of British boys bring forth a creative album that is soothing for the soul. Soothing like chicken noodle soup, but even better. I mean… who wants to pour hot soup on their soul? So, with that visual in place, I ask you to let the ambient sounds wash over you.
In addition to providing some great music, these guys also bring forth a visually stunning animated short film that follow the tales of one little eskimo. The Adventures of One eskimO is an absolutely beautiful work of art. Check out their official web site to find out how you can gaze upon their mini masterpiece. Their self titled album will be the medicine you need to make it through the day . Treat yourself to their musical goodness!
KC’s Personal Picks: “Kandi”, “Amazing” and “Hometime”
Check out the official video for “Kandi”
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LikeJoan Armatrading has been making music for nearly forty years. Yeah, that’s four decades. This British singer-songwriter is back at it again with the release of This Charming Life. With forty years of experience you get a wonderfully crafted album that oozes the confidence of knowing what making music is all about. It is crystal clear that Armatrading knows who she is and through her music she is ready to tell you all about herself.
The next time a music reality show brings out a mentor to help guide the newbie musicians, it should be Joan Armatrading that takes that role. As the years have rolled on Armatrading has learned how to be resilient and adaptive in an industry that can break you just as fast as it makes you. She has broken into the UK charts countless times and it was her 1976 track, “Love and Affection”, that really gave her some widespread attention. Armatrading has made a career of exploring multiple musical styles such as blues, rock, pop and jazz. This three-time Grammy Award nominee is back at it again with her 2010 release of This Charming Life.
This Charming Life is an upbeat album that showcases Armatrading’s happy and energetic side. Each track flows together wonderfully and gives you slices into her ever so charming life. For those just coming across the work of Armatrading you have a lot that you can get caught up on. After you take in This Charming Life I would highly recommend that you give Into the Blues a spin.
KC’s Personal Picks: “This Charming Life”, “Two Tears” & “Heading Back to New York City”
Joan Armatrading’s video for “This Charming Life”
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When I first heard the name of this band I could not help but wonder if they also ran a house painting business or a moving company. Dare I say that the music of Mumford & Sons will paint your soul and get you up and moving? In retrospect, I wish I had not dared myself to say that. The important thing to remember is that these guys are wickedly talented and fun to listen to.
I have proven time and time again that I am a sucker for the mandolin, banjo and dobro. For proof of that you can read about my healthy crush on The Lovell Sisters. Mumford & Sons developed their sound in the London folk scene. Their music blends folk, rock and bluegrass all together with a burning lyrical intensity. A recent signing with Island Records will only help spread their music across the globe. The boys have already made a name for themselves in England, Ireland and Australia. Constant touring and a full length album in the works sets the stage for a promising 2010 for the band.
In late 2009, Mumford & Sons released their EP, Sigh No More. For me EP stands for “tiny album”. What that means is that you are going to get four tracks on this album. It satisfies, but certainly will leave you wanting more. The lead single, “Little Lion Man”, is my absolute favorite. I dare you not to tap your feet to the song. I double-dog-dare you. If you want a beautifully packaged ball of energy, “The Cave” is just what the doctor ordered.
Check out their official video for “Little Lion Man”
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Want some more foot stompin’ music? Check out The Avett Brothers.
The first week after the start of the New Year always seems to be when labels roll out their reissues and special editions. That makes it a challenge to find great new albums. With all of that being said, we were thrilled to come across the music of Findlay Brown. Our friends over in the United Kingdom have known about his music for sometime now. Brown’s 2007 debut record, Separated by the Sea, got a great deal of buzz in his home country. Today welcomes the U.S. release of his sophomore album, Love Will Find You, and the throwback style will no doubt catch the ears of music fans across the globe.
In Brown’s Love Will Find You, he delivers a 1960’s crooner style with rich harmonies and a warm fuzzy feel. The well crafted tracks weave together nicely to create a dreamlike state that almost feels out of place in 2010. That “out of place” feeling is refreshing and a much welcomed start to the new year of music. It is clear that Findlay Brown takes his musical career seriously. He is a talented songwriter and he is not afraid to dabble in various musical styles. I also have to give him props for his fashion sense on the cover art for Love Will Find You. That hair is super fresh.
I would highly recommend that you take the whole album for a spin and let it wash over you. Some of the tracks that sunk in for me were “Love Will Find You”, “That’s Right” and “Nobody Cared”. The title track, “Love Will Find You”, is downright addictive so listen with caution. Check out the video below and be prepared to be memorized by Findlay Brown.
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Check out our exclusive interview with Findlay Brown!
The Knux – “Bang! Bang!”
Kentrell “Krispy Kream” Lindsey and Alvin “Rah Almillio” Lindsey are The Knux. They are biological brothers. They hail from New Orleans. One of them is named after my favorite doughnut joint. All of those factors add together for a hard hitting track that will get you quickly hooked. Be warned. This song is just as addictive as a warm doughnut.
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La Roux – “Bulletproof”
Been craving some British electropop synth? Indulge on this sweet finger-snapping track that will cover you like a Kevlar blanket and shield you from the evil outside world. Listening to this song will make you bulletproof (*)
(*) This song will not make you bulletproof.
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Billy Boy On Poison – “On My Way”
This track is intense. It will make your pulse pound. It is similar to the effect an episode of “24″ has on all of us here at FreshScouts. Coincidentally this group was signed by Kiefer Sutherland’s Ironworks Music. Jack Bauer loves this song. Enough said.
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