The Wombats

"Am I losing touch or am I just completley off the track?"

I've been sporting a sizable crush on this band from Liverpool ever since Casey featured them over at Milk-Milk Lemondade. New British buzz band the Wombats make some of the most unassuming, charming pop music I've ever heard. Three part harmonies, a keyboard, and raw, punchy guitar arrangements are more than a girl could ever ask for. Really, they're wonderful. Get to know them. At the moment the band is busy touring around the UK, so please check them out if you're able. Even I'm hoping to catch a show come January when I'm in London.

The Wombats - Lost In The Post
The Wombats - Patricia the Stripper
The Wombats - Moving To New York

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Bright Light Fever

"I'll take this on myself to be with you."

It's becoming too commonplace- loud, abrasive, rapid rock and roll. Can Bright Light Fever really distiguish themselves? It looks that way. Though rough and tumble indie rock may be the band's specialty, a display of versatility and a periodic softening of sentiments keeps the band on top of their less-able counterparts. As a new addition to new label Stolen Transmission, BLF has a bright, no pun intended, future ahead of them. Their debut, The Evening Owl, drops today. Head out and pick it up if you like what you hear.

Bright Light Fever - Good Mary Blues
Bright Light Fever - A Deeper Blue

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Old Man River

"Why must you hide in the lazy shade of time?"

Ohad Rein, the mastermind behind Old Man River, has a wonderfully interesting story. Born in Tel Aviv, Rein has both lived and studied in places such as London, NYC, and India before eventually settling down in Sydney, Australia. In fact, Sydney could not have been more fitting. Rein's music relies heavily upon jangly, folk-pop guitar rhythms, which is perfectly in line with the band's adopted beach bum mien. The band currently has a round of gigs in London, check them out if you're in town.

Old Man River - Trousers
Old Man River - Summer

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

Aaron Espe

"Don't come around tonight, I don't want to fight you..."

We're lucky here in Minneapolis. Really lucky. Our cup runneth over with musical talent. My most recent find? Aaron Espe. His down-tempo folk stylings are enough to make you swoon, seriously. Aaron's sweet-tempered voice and altogether sophisticated and insightful lyrics couple with his delicate acoustic arrangements to bring you something pretty remarkable. He released and recorded his debut album with the help of local artist Chris Cunningham, which comes highly suggested by me.

Aaron Espe - Settling
Aaron Espe - Complacency

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

David Condos

"Am I so comfortable with me?"

Absolutely phenomenal. Nashville's very best kept secret is no longer a secret. I reveal to you David Condos. When I came across David, I fell instantly in love with his music. Like I've mentioned before, he's got that sweet, southeastern vocal quality that I go crazy for. In all honesty, he is one of the most promising young songwriters I've heard in long time. He undoubtedly has big things ahead of him, but the fact that he hasn't been picked up already by a major label is beyond me. Thanks to David for sending me a copy of the disc, because Smoking City is a must have. This kid is gold. I'll leave it at that.

David Condos - I Should Be Lost Without You
David Condos - The Ache

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Danny Malone

"He had one more fight before he could hang his gun."

Austin, TX brings some of the best and brightest. Danny Malone is no exception. He's an indie rock kid with a penchant for country music. "Danny Malone is new and different, but, as is evident throughout his music, conveys a great amount of respect for his predecessors." I'd have to agree, his music bears some semblance to everything you love about the genre, yet you've never heard it delivered quite like this before. He has a raw, unfeigned charisma that enlivens even his most temperate of tracks. Recommended if you like the Format, or Street To Nowhere.

Danny Malone - The Gunfight
Danny Malone - Sweet Annabelle
Danny Malone - Like A Curse

bonus track
Sadie (Joanna Newsom cover)

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

quick news

Quick news, but big news. Finally Damien Rice is going to make me a very happy woman. It's been ages since I've heard anything new by him. The new album 9 drops November 14th. Get excited, tracklisting is as follows:

1. 9 Crimes
2. The Animals Were Gone
3. Elephant
4. Rootless Tree
5. Dogs
6. Coconut Skins
7. Me, My Yoke And I
8. Grey Room
9. Accidental Babies
10. Sleep Don't Weep

Stream the new single
9 Crimes - quicktime version
9 Crimes - windows media

Brett Dennen

"You can spend your whole life working for something, just to have it taken away."

It's one thing when I am initially impressed with an artist, but when someone like John Mayer is willing to go "on record" (Rolling Stone) and erupt in praises for some kid from California, then I'm all ears. Brett Dennen writes affable folk songs and renders a middle class mien with his earnest, "plain-folks" lyrics. Even in all its steadfast simplicity, Brett's music is a testament to the brilliance of unembellished and understated songwriting.

Brett Dennen - Ain't No Reason
Brett Dennen - There Is So Much More

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase