Ray LaMontagne - God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise -2010-
(Folk, Soul, Acoustic)

From: Maine
Website: http://www.raylamontagne.com/

The master of mellow folk/soul is back and this time he brought some friends in the form of real tight backing band, The Pariah Dogs consisting of Jay Bellarose (drums), Jennifer Condos (bass), Patrick Warren (keyboard), Eric Heywood (guitar) and Greg Leisz (pedal steel guitar). Individually these musicians have contributed to the live work of such heralded musicians including Beck, Joe Henry, Tom Waits, Lucinda Wlliams, Ryan Adams and Joe Cocker to name a few of their career highlights. Together with Ray they shared a sense that the sessions for this record were rare and extraordinary. God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise finds LaMontagne in top form following the successful formula from his debut with a little bit more rock and country thrown into the mix. The tracks here are spilling over with soul (Van Morrison anyone), carried by Ray's signature emotional and rough voice floating over a perfect arsenal of strings and skins. Some instant LaMontagne classics to be found throughout. On tour NOW with David Gray.


Ray LaMontagne - Repo Man


Ray LaMontagne - God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise


Ray LaMontagne - Beg Steal Or Borrow

Guster - Do You Love Me (Single) -2010-
(Pop, Alternative, Acoustic)

From: Boston
Website: http://guster.com/

Guster have released the new singles 'Do You Love Me' and 'Bad, Bad World' from their much anticipated and long awaited new album Easy Wonderful, which will be hitting audio outlets on October 5th. The band will also be hitting the road in support of the new album starting October 1st. Classic Guster pop sound working on these two tracks. Buy 'Do You Love' Me by clicking the album cover above and download 'Bad, Bad World' from HERE for free.


Guster - Do You Love Me


Guster - Bad, Bad World

Pura Vida - Struggle In The City -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Progressive)

From: Belgium
Website: http://www.myspace.com/puravidaproductionz

Pura Vida is one of the biggest new reggae revelations from Belgium. Originally Pura Vida started as a small subproject of founder Bregt de Boever, but has now grown into a 12 headed monster. Simply put this is some of the best roots/reggae I have ever heard, but to label them simply as a reggae act would not be doing Pura Vida justice. In 4 short years Pura Vida has perfected their craft and has brought a new refreshing mix of blues, soul and dance to the reggae genre. Struggle In The City is an amazing album and needs to be heard by all. Click the album cover above to purchase from iTunes.


Pura Vida - Sooncome


Pura Vida - Meditation


Pura Vida - Time Of Decision

Hacienda - Big Red & Barbacoa -2010-
(Rock, Roots, Soul)

From: San Antonio, Texas
Website: http://www.haciendaonline.net/

Big Red & Barbacoa is the second album by South Texas' Hacienda, and like its predecessor Loud Is The Night (2008), it has been produced at the Akron Analog Studio by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. Recorded on the tail end of a year of playing at clubs and festivals across North America, Australia, and Europe, opening for Dan Auerbach and Dr. Dog, this new album brings heavier grooves and flavor to the '60s harmonies sound the band is known for. The result is a blend of Tex-Mex roots rock, retro-pop and R&B that can only be described as South Texas Soul.


Hacienda - Who's Heart Are You Breaking


Hacienda - I Keep Waiting


Hacienda - Apples

The Red Eyes - Red Army -2010-
(Reggae, Dub)

From: Melbourne
Website: http://thered-eyes.com/

The Red Eyes, Melbourne’s hottest and most popular Dub/Reggae band that do not get the pub they shoud, continue to wow audiences with their unique sound, combining masterfully produced beats, soulful, heartfelt lyrics and grooves, with shake the house dub rhythms that have set a benchmark for Australian Dub/Reggae. On their second full length album Red Army, The Red Eyes remain true to their traditional dub-reggae sound, but they also seem to be carving themselves out a place in this competitive genre by nailing the perfect combo of electronic dub sounds and chilled-out guitar riffs polished with front-man El Witeri’s smooth rhythmic vocals. The Red Eyes are taking the Dub/Reggae genre to some ingenious and inventive new levels. Hopefully Red Army is the album that brings this funky reggae party to the masses. Amazing band and awesome album from start to finish. Enjoy!


The Red Eyes - Titokowaru's War


The Red Eyes - Inside Out


The Red Eyes - Sticks and Stones


The Red Eyes - Higher Ground

Everest - On Approach -2010-
(Rock, Pop, Folk)

From: Los Angeles
Website: http://everestband.com/

Formed in Los Angeles in 2007, Everest is comprised of Russell Pollard (vocals, guitar, drums, lyricist), Jason Soda (guitar, keys, vocals), Joel Graves (guitar, keys, vocals), Elijah Thomson (bass, vocals) and Davey Latter (drums, percussion). On Approach is the second full-length LP and builds upon the momentum and praise created from their debut. On Approach is a bold album that bolts out of the gate with an enveloping sound capable of filling large outside spaces and between one’s ears. In broad strokes, it hits the sweet spot between stratospheric, stadium size rock and gorgeous, emotionally charged pop craftsmanship. Have toured with some of the big boys including Wilco, My Morning Jacket, and Neil Young. On Approach moves with a focused, switched-on intensity, which I would think announces the arrival of one of the most engaging young rock bands around.


Everest - Let Go


Everest - Keeping The Score

Umberto Echo - Dub The World -2010-
(Reggae, Dub, Jazz)

From: Munich, Germany
Website: http://www.myspace.com/umbertoecho

After collaborating as a producer, engineer and musician on over 80 albums, ranging from rock to classical, jazz and reggae Umberto Echo finally revealed Dub Train, his debut album which sounded like a mash-up of Duke Ellington meets King Tubby. Umberto Echo possesses immense production and instrumental skills, which are front and center again throughout all each and every sweet dub track on his newest effort Dub The World. Dub The World features 15 versions of dub, roots and dancehall tunes from 13 countries. Echo collected an amazing cast to help him along his sonic journey including Steel Pulse, Damian Marley, Katchafire, Gentleman, Sly & Robbie and so many other amazing musicians. Dub The World brings together the power of Bob Marley's universal integration message with the the sonic innovation of King Tubby. Awesome listening experience.


Umberto Echo - Dem Gone Dub


Umberto Echo - Metissage Dub


Umberto Echo - Galli Dani Dub

Matt Costa - Witchcraft & The Season (Singles) -2010-
(Singer-Songwriter, Folk, Rock)

From: Huntington Beach, CA
Website: http://www.mattcosta.com/mobilechateau/

Huntington Beach's own Matt Costa has released the first two singles from his upcoming album Mobile Chateau. Both new tracks 'Witchcraft' and 'The Season' showcase Costa's signature throwback folk sound and are a good first indicator of a solid record. Mobile Chateau is out on September 21st on Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records. Download 'The Season' for free by going to Matt's website and signing up for the mailing list and download 'Witchcraft' for a a buck by clicking the album cover above.


Matt Costa - The Season


Matt Costa - Witchcraft

Donavon Frankenreiter - Revisited -2010-
(Folk, Rock, Surf)

From: Kauai
Website: http://www.donavonf.com/

Donavon Frankenreiter's Revisited is not just a re-recording of his 2004 self-titled album, it's a complete reinterpretation... with a Hawaiian twist. Kauai Resident and professional surfer, Donavon Frankenreiter, lives an incredible life for which he is extremely grateful. His first recording was made with the aid of his long time friend Jack Johnson and spawned the radio hit 'Free'. Teaming up with longtime band mate Matt Grundy (Bass/BGVs), and local musicians Kirk Smart (Guitars), and David Leach (Percussion), Donavon set out to re-record his debut album using traditional Hawaiian instruments including the ukulele, lap steel guitar, and a Mauna Loa slack key tuned guitar. The result is a fresh new take on the original that allows Donavon's laid-back lifestyle to ooze sweetly through the speakers, giving a completely new sound to old favorites. Download this awesome album for only $5.00 by clicking the album cover above!


Donavon Frankenreiter - It Don't Matter


Donavon Frankenreiter - Free


Donavon Frankenreiter - Call Me Papa

Dubious Quip - Obedient Minds E.P. -2009-
(Soul, Hip-Hip, Reggae)

From: Sweden
Website: http://www.dubiousquip.com/blog/

Dubious Quip is a solo project by the Swedish artist, songwriter and producer Daniel Rosenholm. His music reflects his wide taste in musical styles. You can hear influences from soul, blues, reggae, dub, funk, hip-hop, samba, bossanova, salsa, pop and rock. Daniel has played in many different bands through the years and the most recent project was as one of the front men in the reggae band Leela Bai. This E.P. has some real killer tracks and some nice variety throughout. Hope to see more soon from this talented guy. Sounds like a mix of Citizen Cope and Mike Doughty. Click the album cover above to download Obedient Minds for any price you choose.


Dubious Quip - Free


Dubious Quip - Make It Right


Dubious Quip - Send Some Lovin

Foreign Born - Person To Person -2009-
(Rock, Indie, Pop)

From: Los Angeles
Website: http://foreignbornmusic.blogspot.com/

This Los Angeles quartet has been at it since 2003, but with their 2nd LP Person To Person, Foreign Born is now getting the recognition and accolades that they deserve. Foreign Born write and perform 'anthemic' indie rock/pop songs full of lush and dense sounds that are rounded out with some extremely catchy hooks. Each song has an almost perfect balance of clashing cymbals, fuzzy guitar riffs, horns, and synths. Person To Person is chock full of gems and this just might be as good an indie record as you'll hear for awhile.
For fans of Vampire Weekend, White Rabbits and Plants & Animals


Foreign Born - Blood Oranges


Foreign Born - Vacationing People


Foreign Born - It Grew On You

Robert Francis - Before Nightfall -2009-
(Rock, Folk, Americana)

From: Los Angeles
Website: http://www.robertfrancisofficial.com/

When Robert Francis was 9 yrs. old he was given his first guitar from family friend Ry Cooder and it seems he has not looked back since. Before Nightfall is the 2nd studio album from the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Francis plays his own version of reverb-heavy atmospheric American rock. His writing is sharp and poetic, which can change course from comfort to confrontation instantly. Real nice alt-country album from a talented young musician. Fans of Wilco and Ryan Adams will dig this guy.


Robert Francis - Junebug


Robert Francis - Nightfall

Sand Section - Truth Over Harmony -2010-
(Reggae, Rock, Indie, Surf)

From: Manhattan Beach, CA
Website: http://sandsectionmusic.com/

Sand Section is Jeff Nisen (guitar, vocals, harmonica), Tony Gonella (bass, vocals, percussion) and Sam Mandelbaum (drums, percussion). These 3 formed in 2008 and in that short span have already shared the stage with the likes of The Dirty Heads, Tomorrows Bad Seeds and Tribal Seeds. On Truth Over Harmony Sand Section draws upon many genres, but always comes back to their signature sound of soaring harmonies and kick-ass guitar solos. Whether it be a piano ballad or a hard rock jam, Nisen and Gonella’s vocal harmonies are the backbone and major characteristic of just about every track. Most tracks have a SoCal surf vibe e.g. 'Matter Of Time', but there are other acoustic cuts e.g. 'Sanya' where you can hear the influence of bands like Dispatch (which is always nice to hear). Click the album art above and go to downloads to download the album for any donation price you choose.


Sand Section - Undertow


Sand Section - Matter Of Time


Sand Section - Sanya

Johnny Flynn - Been Listening -2010-
(Folk, Rock, Roots)

From: London
Website: http://www.johnny-flynn.com/

Johnny Flynn is part of a new movement across the pond, which I think can best be described as crossover-friendly folk or as some others are referring to it: Nu-Folk. Flynn joins the likes of Mumford & Sons, Noah and the Whale and Laura Marling who have been dominating the music scene in London. Been Listening is Johnny Flynn and backing band The Sussex Wit's second studio LP and once again the group finds itself doing what it does best and that is warm instrumental layering with strings and horns all wrapped around Flynn's narratives. The sound seems to be a little more mature this time around, which seems just right seeing how this gifted songwriter was already wiser than his years on the debut. This collection is a little slower and less bouncy than the debut, but it is solid and sure to bring Flynn and the gang a whole slew of new fans.


Johnny Flynn - Kentucky Pill


Johnny Flynn - Churlish May


Johnny Flynn - Barnacled Warship

Heartless Bastards - The Mountain -2009-
(Rock, Indie, Soul)

From: Dayton, Ohio
Website: http://www.theheartlessbastards.com/

The driving force behind the music of the Heartless Bastards is without a doubt the voice of lead singer and songwriter Erika Wennerstrom. She possesses a voice that is deep, throaty and loose. Rolling Stone magazine had this to say about Wennerstrom, "she sounds like she s wailing on the shoulders of giants; her sad and angry vocals channeling all the swagger and spit of a young Robert Plant." Combine that unique voice with some really good rocking jams and you get some powerfully enjoyable tunes. The Mountain is the 3rd studio effort from Wennerstrom and her ever rotating band and has enough variety with songs jumping from folk to garage rock to keep you listening time after time. Heartless Bastards have made quite a bit of noise at Austin City Limits and Bonnaroo already this year so be on the lookout for Wennerstrom and her boys.


Heartless Bastards - The Mountain


Heartless Bastards - Out To Sea


Heartless Bastards - Nothing Seems The Same

Good Old War - Good Old War -2010-
(Indie, Folk, Americana)

From: Philadelphia
Website: http://goodoldwar.com/

Seldom do band members rebound gracefully after their main musical effort falls apart, but Keith Goodwin (vocals/guitar) and Tim Arnold (drums/vocals), members of the once up-and-coming progressive rock band Days Away have managed to do just that, pulling a 180 with their sound in their new acoustic folk project Good Old War. Rounding out the trio is Dan Schwartz (guitar/vocals) from the Americana tinged, Unlikely Cowboy. This self-titled LP is the 2nd full length album from the trio who have seemed to master the three part harmony and have created a group of lively and intricate songs, which at times feel like a throwback to the early days of Folk/Rock. Catch Good Old War touring with Xavier Rudd in August.


Good Old War - My Own Sinking Ship


Good Old War - That's Some Dream


Good Old War - Get Some

Ash Grunwald - Hot Mama Vibes -2010-
(Blues, Rock, Acoustic)

From: Melbourne, Australia
Website: http://www.ashgrunwald.com/

It is too simplistic to describe Ash Grunwald as just a blues musician. While it’s true that his music is steeped in the Delta blues tradition of the legendary acoustic musicians of America’s deep South and the giants of electric blues who shaped rock and roll, it’s the young Aussie’s willingness to combine these influences with grooves and sounds common in contemporary music that sets him apart. Hot Mama Vibes is the follow up record to his successful, ARIA nominated LP Fish Out Of Water and sees Ash continue down an unmarked road of collaboration with some of Australia’s most respected Hip-Hop producers. Hot Mama Vibes is neck-deep in the technological swamp of the 21st Century. It's also the most primal concoction of elemental junkyard soul to stomp through your speakers this year. "Mixing electronica with the blues was always a dream of mine," says Ash. "On the first album I was really trying to strip it back to raw elements, just be as soulful as possible. I guess every album since then has been a gradual move towards this point." This is some gritty and dirty Blues/Rock showcasing the talents of an awesome musician.


Ash Grunwald - Tear The Roof Off


Ash Grunwald - Love Me


Ash Grunwald - Change


Ash Grunwald - Walking

Surfer Blood - Astro Coast -2010-
(Pop, Indie, Rock)

From: Palm Beach, Florida
Website: http://kaninerecords.com/surferblood/

This young West Palm Beach group may draw comparisons to Weezer, Pavement and Vampire Weekend, but with this their debut LP Astro Coast these boys have been able to draw from those comparisons...I mean influences and create an indie sound that is uniquely their own. The songs are catchy and the reverb and power hooks of the guitar are great. Astro Coast has all the makings of a classic indie album so look out because I have a feeling we are going to see Surfer Blood all over the place very soon.


Surfer Blood - Floating Vibes


Surfer Blood - Swim


Surfer Blood - Harmonix

Rocky Dawuni - Hymns For The Rebel Soul -2010-
(Reggae, Roots, Afro-Beat)

From: Ghana
Website: http://www.rockydawuni.com/

Hailed as Ghana's 'Bob Marley' Rocky Dawuni has inspired and will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike with his music and diligent support of many social causes. Hymns for the Rebel Soul is Rocky's 5th studio album and has been exclusively released through Whole Foods Market. This new 11 song album was inspired and written over the course of his travels around the world particularly Israel, Finland, Jamaica, U.S. and Ghana in his quest to articulate and craft a record that reflected the common spiritual, political and social aspirations of ordinary folks around the world. Dawuni's music was featured at this year's World Cup and he is also involved in the fantastic Playing For Change which you can see below. Rocky Dawuni’s progressive fusion of Reggae, Soul and traditional African sounds are well displayed on this newest album. Any lover of reggae needs to pick up this eclectic mix.


Rocky Dawuni - Download The Revolution


Rocky Dawuni - Walls Tumblin Down


Rocky Dawuni - Take It Slow (Love Love Love)


Playing For Change - War/No More Trouble

The Green - The Green -2010-
(Reggae)

From: Honolulu, Hawaii
Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Green-Band/266102150047?v=wall

Some of the hottest reggae tunes on the islands are coming straight from these guys here. They began making these sweet sounds only last year, but these four friends are making a big splash on the reggae scene. Their music is inspired and drawn from many different sources. The heartbeat and power of reggae drum and bass, the soulful tone in the voices and instruments, the poetic words and the consciousness needed to stand strong as a people and move forward together in these difficult times. The Green is Caleb Keolanui, J.P. Kennedy, Ikaika Antone and Zion Thompson. This is a very good debut album full of sweet island vibes and you catch The Green right now as they tour all over the mainland.


The Green - What Will Be Will Be


The Green - Love I


The Green - Runaway Train