Pau Vallve- 2010

Wow.  After listening the first few songs in this album, that is all I can muster.  This Catalan (?) artist is messing with my emotions with his light guitar licks and his captivating voice.

Takenobu- Exposition

Another cool set of chill tunes.  His voice is not resonating with me as well as I hoped, but the multiple layers of cello is sweet to my ears nonetheless.  Enjoy.

Balto- October's Road

I think it is time I put some folk tunes on my blog.  Well, here you go everyone. Enjoy.

Idaho- You were a Dick

I am really enjoying this new find.  Apparently Idaho has been around since the early nineties but this is the first time I've heard of them.  This is the first album release for Idaho in nearly 6 years and from what I've heard Jeff Martin (not the Canadian) is the only member left in the band.  Aside from the history lesson, the album is really great and it is chock full of different subtle styles of music.  You were a dick and Impaler have subtle similarities to Beck, and something about Reminder and Up the Hill reminds me of Broken Social Scene.  The second half of the album picks up and brings some rock riff like pieces, only to cascade down in the end to more serious songs similar the the beginning of the album.  If you really like this one it will cost you, but the mp3 download is only $6.  Idaho also has a CD and Vinyl version up for sale as well, just click on the buy button below if you are interested.

Alexandra Streliski- Pianoscope

Now for something completely different. Alexandra Streliski is a pianist based in Montreal who release her first album several months ago. Her work evokes a simplistic piano style to create these light and melancholy songs. All of the songs are fairly captivating, and I wouldn't be surprised if her songs will be adapted in films later.  This album is $10.53 USD and is available for download or physical CD.

The Boomjacks- Beats vol 3

Note to all: I found this gem instead of sleeping. The Boomjacks are Finland brother duo consisting of electic hip hop beats. Their newest creation named Beats vol. 3, a 17 track album, is free on their bandcamp page. They also have teamed up with Apollo's Sun to create a pretty sweet hip hop single. If you are a fan of Onra and Flying Lotus, then you should like these guys. Take a listen and chill.

Son Lux- We Are Rising

If you liked Sufjan Stevens Age of Adz or any of St. Vincent's music, you will fall in love with Son Lux. Ryan Lott, a musician from New York, recorded this fantastic album in just the month of February, AKA the RPM challenge. Amazing what can result in just four weeks of writing and recording!

Sufjan Stevens- Age of Adz

What better way to hear about Sufjan's new album then from a student at his former college (Duh, Hope College; Everyone's heard of it). Just when you though All Delighted People EP was kick ass, Mr. Stevens released this even better album shortly after. Let me describe it as eloquently as any college freshman would: this is dope stuff.

Living Rooms- House Kid

It may not be an amazing find like Yellow Ostrich, however Living Rooms is another band with great free songs available for free download. If you are a fan of anything Animal Collective, this is very much similar.