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1.) Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – I Learned the Hard Way
Right off the bat, the horns on this track let you know that Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings mean business. This is soul music at it’s very best and Sharon’s voice is stronger than ever as she belts out the perfectly crafted lyrics. It’s worth noting that their label’s (Daptone Records) co-owner, Gabriel Roth, known for only recording on analog, recorded this entire album on an Ampex eight-track tape machine. It gives us the warmth that was found in the old records from the 60s and 70s. Their new album “I Learned the Hard Way” comes out on 4/6. Daptone is offering this single for free HERE.
I Learned the Hard Way – Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings

2.) Lo-Fi-Fnk – Marchin’ In
Such a happy song! Lo-Fi-Fnk hails from Stockholm, Sweden and they seem to have that magical quality, much like Lykke Li, to create a pop song that indie/hipster listeners can get behind. There is also a beautiful video for Marchin’ In, shot by Mattias Johansson, HERE. They are currently in the studio but there is no release date for an album as of yet.
Lo-Fi-Fnk – Marchin’ In

3.) MNDR – I Go Away
Amanda Warner, aka MNDR, is a self professed “mega nerd about instruments” and an example of someone as passionate about what is used to create music as she is with the music itself. Hailing from NY-LA-SF it’s clear that she is just starting to show us what she is capable of as a sonic artist. It’s a hopeful anthem for an entire generation unsure of what the future holds. Perfectly crafted electro-pop. Learn more about her HERE.
MNDR – I Go Away

4.) Or, the Whale – Toxic
Part of the Fantasy Covers Project at Coke Machine Glow, the seven piece country-rock band Or, the Whale, from San Francisco, just posted their daydreamy country twist on Britney Spears’ song “Toxic.” It’s slow, mysterious and gives a completely new take on the song. Download from their blog HERE.
Or, the Whale – Toxic

5.) Chapel Club – O Maybe I
I am incredibly impressed with the intelligence of this song. The lyrics themselves are achingly honest and singer Lewis Bowman acts them out perfectly with his voice (the Morrissey comparison comes easily). He comes off sounding strong, over-confident…almost cocky. However, the rolling guitars and incessant drums let us know there is a lot more going on under the surface. I am really looking forward to hearing more from this band. The single “O Maybe I” comes out on 2/22 on East City Records.
O Maybe I – Chapel Club

8.) Mr Beasley – Wrong
Mr Beasley = Bobby Beasley and Sarah Johns from the UK. I am totally sweet on the rumor that Sarah found Bobby after he had stenciled smiley faces all over town. Legend has it, Sarah saw these smiley faces and tracked Bobby down so she could sing with him. Whether or not there is any truth to this, they definitely make fascinatingly good music together. Sarah’s voice will haunt you long after you have listened to this track. Found this gem over at: blahblahblahscience.
Wrong – Mr Beasley

9.) Tunng – Don’t Look Down or Back
Tunng is facing a new path as one of the founding members, Sam Genders, decided to go his own way. On their website, they describe themselves as “always different, always the same,” and candidly discuss both the changes within the band as well as how performing live changed their perspective on their music. It’s this mature approach that gives me a lot of hope for their new album “…And Then They Saw Land” out on 3/1. This new song is full of pleasant surprises but doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle. With so many bands trying to jump on the the folktronica bandwagon, Tunng proves themselves to be ahead of the pack.
Don’t Look Down or Back – Tunng

10.) Avi Buffalo – What’s In It For?
Every time I hear this song, it grows on me a little bit more. Coming to us from Long Beach, CA, there is definitely a sunny Southern California vibe to this Avi Buffalo track. The guitars and keyboards are reminiscent of 70s jam bands, but it’s Avi’s voice that puts a modern spin on it. He reminds me a bit of MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden and adds a new spin to the often lazy, dreamlike lo-fi vocals common to this genre of indie-beach-rock.
Whats In It For – Avi Buffalo

11.) Death Valley Sleepers – Into My Mind
Death Valley Sleepers is one man superstar Tobias Winberg from Denmark. He is the composer, vocalist, plays all the instruments and produces his own music. It’s a sunny tip off to psychedelic rock.
Into My Mind – Death Valley Sleepers

12.) Mathias Alriksson – The Return of the Ape
Another thing worth noting is the “27 songs from Barcelona” project created by Swedish band I’m From Barcelona. According to their website: “Inspired by Kiss’ simultaneous release of 4 solo albums in 1978, “27 songs from Barcelona” features one solo song for every member in I’m From Barcelona. Starting last month, on 1/27, they have been releasing one song a day on their site. You can find the songs HERE. This track is from Mathias Alriksson who is one of the vocalists in the band.
The Return of the Ape – Mathias Alriksson

Oldie but worth a re-listen:

1. War – Slippin’ Into Darkness
The dancing in this video is not to be missed. I want to be there. Now.

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