My Indie Life introduces you to the best bands you’ve never heard of.  Discover your new favorite artist here! Watch show here.

March 30, 2010

March 23, 2010 – “Our Time” by Damon Dotson

March 16, 2010 – “The Push” by Astra Heights

March 9, 2010 – “Boomerangin’” by Balta

March 2, 2010 – “CHBB” by Speechwriters LLC

February 23, 2010 – “Heads Up Hearts Down” by I Fight Dragons

February 16, 2010 – “Let’s Get Dead” by 8ball

February 9, 2010 – “The Shaded Forest” by Deastro

February 2, 2010 – “My Guarantee” by Rah Rah

January 28, 2010 – “Frank, AB” by The Rural Alberta Advantage

January 21, 2010 – “Things Flow Away” by The Worthy Ghosts

January 14, 2010 – “Spoon” by Lady Danville

January 7, 2010 – “Irish Brothers” by The Ladies of Sport

December 31, 2009 – “The Fall ft. Coury Palermo” by Sunday Radio

December 24, 2009 – “Living in a Movie” by Julie Peel

December 17, 2009 – “How the Day Sounds” by Greg Laswell

December 10, 2009 – “Taller Children” by Elizabeth & the Catapult

December 3, 2009 –  ”Weighty Ghost” by Wintersleep

This is why I thought it would be nice to start with a mix of songs that all have, what I believe to be, great lyrics. Hope you enjoy, the explanations of the tracks are after the break.

Brett Dennen: Ain’t No Reason

“Ain’t no reason things are this way it’s how they always been and they intend to stay.  I can’t explain why we live this way we do it every day.” I found Brett Dennen my Jr. year of college and he seemed to speak every word that I was thinking.  He is a modern day protest singer and every line that he speaks feels so true.  This song is probably the best representation of what he tries to do with his work.

Dr. Dog: Ain’t It Strange

Dr. Dog has always impressed me in the fact that very few of their songs have to do strictly about love.  This is a very rare thing in music and a very difficult thing to pull off.  I don’t know if you have ever tried to write a song, but it is a very hard task.  The harder task is to not write it about a girl (or guy).  This is one of my favorite Dr. Dog songs, lyrics like this are far a few between.

Chris Merritt: Sugar

I found Chris Merritt early last year and he quickly became one of my favorites.  The combination of his lyrics and melodies, played by piano, really hit the right spot for me.  We were then luckily enough to interview him for our first Chicago Rocks.  This is one song that I absolutely love.  I think the content of the song just hit me at the right time.  ”I forget to breath when you speak sincerely, I forget to sleep when I hold you near me…”

The Decemberists: Sixteen Military Wives

The Decemberist definitely have a weird story that they try to tell in their lyrics. They have two songs about a crane wife, so something is going on there. This song is so much fun to listen and dance to.  I love their play with numbers to talk about the different sets of people they are talking about.  And it slides in the political message thing that I like so much.  ”America can and America can’t say no and America does if America says its so. And the anchor person on TV goes la dida dididida.”

Regina Spektor: On The Radio

“This is how it works, You’re young until you’re not, You love until you don’t, You try until you can’t. You laugh until you cry, You cry until you laugh, And everyone must breathe, Until their dying breath. No, this is how it works, You peer inside yourself, You take the things you like, And try to love the things you took. And then you take that love you made, And stick it into some, Someone else’s heart, Pumping someone else’s blood.  And walking arm in arm, You hope it don’t get harmed, But even if it does, You’ll just do it all again.”

Down The Line: Boy Like Me

I have always thought this is one of the best written love songs. I feel that way because it just puts it out there like it is.  It doesn’t try to say anything grand, only asks you to love the person for everything that they are. “Would you still love me, when the hair left goes grey? Would you mind the company, when theres not much left to say? And would you still talk to me when I’m just a memory? That would mean a lot to a boy like me.”

Matt Pond PA: Summer Is Coming

This song has always reminded me of summer. It is the first song that I play when it starts to get warm out and finally feels like we can live like people again.

Ray LaMontagne: Hannah

This was the first LaMontagne song I had ever heard and the lyrics really stuck out. It was on Pandora and was also the first song that when I heard it I dropped everything to find it and download it on the work computer. “Now I would walk one mile on just broken glass to fall down at your feet.”

Ingrid Michaelson: Breakable

This song has some of my favorite lyrics ever.  There is a video that a fan made that really helps you listen to all of the lyrics so watch the video after your done listening to the mixtape.

Bonus Track – Brett Dennen: Desert Sunrise

I had to throw in this other Brett Dennen song because it is my go-to song when I try to show people why I hate popular music right now.  The music on the radio just seems so simple and manufactured and this song is anything but.  The words are woven together in this song like nothing else I know.

The other great thing is that you can upload any song that you want, so there is a large mix of popular songs and songs you have never heard of.  I have found some of my current favorite music here.

Starting next week, I am going to try to put up a mix that you might love once a week.  If you start listening on “8tracks”, you can send mixes my way as well.  There is so much music out there to find, so let’s get going.

Patrick Lothian

Episode 4:

I discovered Marry a Thief on thesixtyone.com and immediately began listening to them on a regular basis. I purchased their 2008 album, “I’m Dying to Outlive You,” and they became a staple on my iphone. All the while, I think to myself, “How are these guys not huge yet?” Their sound is unique, yet familiar and their songs all have great pop-rock hooks that are so much better than most of the crap out on the radio. Their song, ‘Epileptic’ was featured on The Real World: Brooklyn, which is a great thing for independent artists such as these. I don’t like comparing artists to each other, but if you like Jump Little Children, Coldplay, Switchfoot, Matt Nathanson, or Howie Day, there’s a good chance you’ll like these guys. And just our luck: They are set to have new material out in March 2010!

I also found one song- “Lock and Key” by Mason Proper on thesixtyone.com. That one song made me wish they had more up there, but I made do and eventually searched other sites for their music, like myspace. Mason Proper often talks about their bad luck on the road. They’ve had a history of amps smoking and vans breaking down– so much so that it has become a ritual. They know that whenever it’s time to go on the road, something will go terribly wrong. It has become a funny inside joke. Speaking of them on tour, they have toured with the likes of Birdmonster, Via Audio, and Ra Ra Riot – just to name a few.

Episode 5:

I just wanted to copy and paste Dawin’s bio in here.  Let’s see if you enjoy it as much as we did:

“i write and play all my songs on a 4 string electric guitar in my own tuning.  my parents are baba lovers like pete townshend.  lovers of meher baba.  i’m one too i guess.  i dance pretty good and i love to do it.  i think it’s because i have a little black in me.  i’m 25.  my parents bought me my guitar when i was 11.  they also bought me drums when i was 16, but i suck at those now.  i wait tables at a vegan health food restaurant.  i’m not vegan but i like health food.  my bass player michelle dorrance, aka mash deez, is the one who named me “deez”.  she is my best friend and confidant.  we make each other laugh and she inspires me to make music.  she’s never played bass before and neither has our drummer ever drummed.  but i love them both as people and i want to be around them.  i met greg (drums) and cole (guitar) at the vegan restaurant.  i used to play guitar for my friend andrew’s band, creaky boards.  during that time, i wrote and recorded these songs of mine on an old PC with a $200 mic, and now i’m just focusing on making more of my own music, videos, dance numbers, and mash-ups.  we’re doing our first full US tour in november, with bishop allen and throw me the statue.  i just bought a minivan this week. 10/04/09.” www.darwindeez.com

Rob was actually recommended The Colourist by a friend who is also into up and coming music and wanted to give us a great one for the show. So we both gave them a listen and loved what we heard. They have more of a mainstream sound than Darwin, so I feel like they may have more of a widespread appeal. The four-piece from California was named Best New Band of 2009 by OC Weekly, and there’s no surprise as to why.  They’ve got a fresh sound, a killer female drummer, and a handful of beautifully written rock songs. On the show, we talked about how Kollin designed a PacSun t-shirt, but we never gave a way to check it out, so here is PacSun.com. Along with the shirt, you get a pin and a photo of Kollin (maybe to pin up on your wall?). I can’t wait to see and hear more of this group in the coming year.  They just came out with The Colourist EP, which suggests that sometime in the near future, we can expect a full-length album.  And that, my friends, would be music to my ears!

Thanks for checkin’ it out, watch Episode 4 and Episode 5 of My Indie Life, and stay tuned as we bring you fabulous new artists next week at MaybeHip.com!

Lexi Scherr

Fine tuning the details of this show has been the process that has come a long way.  Since its conception, this show has changed quite a bit. We began with a blank wall and a futon in a bedroom.  Then we added posters and cds to make a more visually-stimulating set. After making some adjustments, because of the glare the gloss on our posters had created, we seem to have a background that really works for us.  Now, we have decided to use multiple locations. When the show started, we used a single camera also, but it seems as though the side shots add a much-needed artistic angle to this show.

During the filming of this episode, we were really excited to get talking about these artists – we could not have had nicer things to say about these two. On episode two, we talk about two amazing artists, Amy Kuney, and AM.  Both are from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and both are unique musicians with a lot to offer to people who just plain love music.

Take Pride in Little Victories

Amy Kuney is probably on the more well-known end of artists we would feature on the show.  She has developed quite a following on youtube, where she has a number of videos ranging from funny Lady Gaga parodies to stunning covers, and even all of her originals are available for streaming. She is currently touring all around the U.S. going to different schools to teach children all about music, but also all about life. Her parents have a mission in Honduras, and 10% of every sale of    these “Take Pride in Little Victories” will go towards that. You can buy them at www.spinmoverecords.com/store.  I am excited to see much more from her in the future.

Side by Side

AM was the second artist featured on My Indie Life episode 2. He is a cool guy with a fascination for weathermen and a really unique sound to his music. It takes you back to another time, but still manages to stay modern.  If I had to compare him to anyone, here are a few artists that I would name: Fruit Bats, Matt Pond PA, Coconut Records, and Andrew Bird. So if you like those artists, chances are that you will really like AM in my humble opinion. He’s got an album out called “Future Sons and Daughters” and he also has an awesome duets album entitled “Side by Side, vol. 1″ so check those out!

It’s not easy to find great artists that are new to most people. That is why we really would like your help.  Reply to this blog, email us at myindielife@maybehip.com, or sign up for thesixtyone.com and write on our wall at thesixtyone.com/myindielife to let us know who it is you are listening to right now! We would love to be able to feature your favorite indie band on an episode in the near future.

Watch episode 2, and we’d love to hear from you.

Lexi Scherr

Lexi first found Sean Fournier on thesixtyone.com and immediately and excitedly shared his music with me, especially since his album is completely free! His EP, “Oh My” is amazing, and I will be surprised if he doesn’t become more well known soon. Some of his songs do sound similar to the stylings of Jason Mraz, but there’s something refreshing and magical about Sean’s music… part of it the emotion in his voice, part of it his cool and unique vocal sound, and maybe part of it is just that he’s someone new and unheard of, but either way, he’s great.

I first was introduced to My Dear Disco when I met the group’s bassist, Christian Carpenter, at a friend’s place before their show at Martyr’s in Chicago awhile back. Watching them live, there was something different than a lot of other bands I’ve seen in that venue. My Dear Disco was just ON. Their rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “All I Do” was what first drew me in. I had actually never heard that song of Stevie’s before that night, but they made me love it! Going back to a best of Stevie Wonder album a few days later, I was even more blown away that (in my opinion), My Dear Disco mastered the song even better than Stevie himself! The other thing that impressed me seeing MDD was how together they were live, especially on the staccato notes that all 7 members of the band seemed to hit together at the exact same moment.

Episode 1 was a success, and we definitely owe that to the amazing talents of Sean Fournier and My Dear Disco.

Watch this episode now.

Robby Silver

There is so much great music out there that is just waiting to be explored.  Here I include a mix of more popular stuff as well as the really obscure so check out my list, compare with yours, and let me know who your favorites were this past year. Check out Part One, also.

Also, you should know that I tend to lean on the side of “Indie Music Snob” but of my group of friends, I tend to be the most into stuff that’s on the radio, so keep that in mind while combing through my list of faves.

I’m always looking for the next best thing to listen to, so if you have the scoop, I want to hear about it!

Metric- Fantasies (released April 7, 2009)

Very reminiscent of the Pixies.  Vocals remind me a lot of Kim Deal.  A great rock album from start to album.  Don’t believe me?  Take a few listens for yourself.  You’ll be wishing the Pixies were still rockin’ it out like the old days.

Love, Save the Empty- Erin McCarley (released January 6, 2009)

This is probably the poppiest I will go with this list.  I’m not the biggest fan of mainstream pop, but this album is a nice exception.  The title track is awesome and catchy; I love the sound of McCarley’s voice and in this album, it is perfection.  If you like pop, this is a good way to go.  The title track is featured on the He’s just not that into you soundtrack.  My favorite track though is called “Pony.”

Handsome Furs- Face Control (released March 10, 2009)

They got a lot of blues, lot of rock…This is not an album for everyone, but for myself this is a near-perfect rock album. I love the beat and tone of the song “Talking Hotel Arbat Blues.”  Check it out for yourselves, but me personally, I am looking forward to great things from them.

Wilco- Wilco the Album (released June 30, 2009)

Of course this would be on my list.  I always love Wilco, even though most of my friends have always remained indifferent towards them. My favorite album was A Ghost is Born, and now I think Wilco the Album may have taken that spot. I love how every song sounds different and rockin’, but it still creates a nice cohesive album.  All around an album for every taste.

The Decemberists- Hazards of Love (released March 24, 2009)

This album plays out like a musical would.  There are themes running throughout the entire album, and you can’t help but listen to the whole thing over and over.  My favorite song is called “Rake Song” so take listen to that right now if you haven’t already.  This is one of those groups that may not be for everyone, it’s a little bit too avant-garde for some, but I really enjoy them, always.

Bell X1- Blue Lights on the Runway (released March 3, 2009)

I don’t really know anyone that is an avid listener of Bell X1, but I really enjoy everything I have heard from him. I have mentioned this before, but I first heard his stuff on The O.C. soundtrack- yup, I’m one of those. (Love the music, hate the show) And I have been hooked ever since.  If I ever make an indie film, I know where to turn for the soundtrack. Take a listen to the tracks, “The Great Defector” and “Blow Ins.”

Regina Spektor- Far (released June 23, 2009)

There’s not much I need to say about her.  Sometimes she’s a little too avant-garde for even me, but this album is pop perfection in my mind.  I really love the song “The Calculation” and I think you will too!

Doves- Kingdom of Rust (released April 6, 2009)

This album chugs along like a good country-folk-rock album should.  There are hints of Johnny Cash everywhere, and I think my favorite song is “Kingdom of Rust” – the title track! The rhythm in this reminds me of “Walk the Line” and the guitar gives it a nice modern feel. I also love the chorus of this one– kind of eerie but makes me want to rock out at the same time.  The strings on this album are sensational!  So give it a listen for yourself.

Gomez- A New Tide (released March 31, 2009)

Another artist I can’t get enough of.  He played at Lollapalooza this year, and unfortunately I had to miss him, cuz I didn’t show up to the fest soon enough. “Little Pieces” reminds me a LOT of Jose Gonzalez’ “Heartbeats” until you get to the chorus when it becomes a nice rock anthem.  I love this rockabilly sound that he produces.  I think I first heard him on Grey’s Anatomy.  I know, what’s with me and these melodramatic shows?  Well, I will tell you — they have amazing soundtracks.

Band of Skulls- Baby Darling Doll Face Honey (released July 28, 2009)

If you like Franz Ferdinand, Jimi Hendrix, Louis XIV, Modest Mouse, Led Zeppelin, or Kaiser Chiefs you will enjoy what these guys are putting out.  A nice rockin’ sound…love that wail of the guitar.  They sound very fresh– not overproduced.  I am reminded of these other bands when listening to them, but I don’t ever feel like they are a direct rip-off.  They bring something new to the table, and I would LOVE to see them live so let me know next time they are playing in Chicago.

Coconut Records- Davy (released January 20, 2009)

“You are my voice, my microphone.”  Coconut Records says the things I only wish I could, and speaks to our generation very well in their music.  The song “Wires” was just featured in the film “Funny People” starring Seth Rogen and Adam Sandler. Also check out the songs “microphone”, and “any fun.”  Those are my favorites.  They remind me of all the classic rock songs I love listening to now and are pretty similar other bands I like such as Dr. Dog, Vampire Weekend, Rogue Wave, and more.  Take a listen for yourself.

Various Artists- The Twilight Saga’s New Moon Soundtrack (released October 16, 2009)

Terrible movie, wonderful soundtrack.  This seems to be a theme running through my Best Albums list.  With songs by Death Cab, Anya Marina, Muse, St. Vincent, Sea Wolf, and more, this album makes an amazing stocking stuffer for the indie music buff.  I saw the movie with my family and although it was the worst movie I have ever seen, the enjoyable part for me was the great musical selection.  Good job, whom ever’s job that was!

Dan Auerbach- Keep it Hid (released February 10, 2009)

From the same mind of the Black Keys, Auerbach comes out with a solo album that will blow you away.  Rock perfection…Reminiscent of the Pixies/Frank Black–noticing a theme?

Matt & Kim- Grand (released January 20, 2009)

A little bit avant-garde–definitely not for everyone.  Some people I know don’t like Matt’s voice at all, but I really seem to enjoy the music more when the singer has a quirk to them.  Perfection is overrated. I love the tones to the music they make, and I don’t really know how to classify it.  Is it shoegaze, is it ska?  Electronica or Americana?  They seem to baffle me with what they have created.  Do you have a name for it? cuz I certainly don’t.

Anya Marina- Slow and Steady Seduction: Phase II (released January 20, 2009)

I just love the sound of her voice.  I first discovered her on Grey’s Anatomy and have been smitten ever since. Great folk-pop at every turn.  I’m reminded of Nellie McKay, Aimee Mann, and sometimes even Patty Griffin.  You should definitely give her a listen.

Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band- Outer South (released May 5, 2009)

From the Bright Eyes frontman comes a wonderful folk album that everyone can enjoy. This is definitely a departure from the sounds of Bright Eyes, but he didn’t go too far.  This is awesome, and reminds me a lot of Ryan Adams and Elliot Smith.  I would check this out if you haven’t already, because if you like independent artists, this should already be a staple in your collection.

That’s it for part two…stay tuned for part three comin’ up!!

Lexi Scherr

Sunday, November 29^th, 2009

There are so many cool cover versions of songs out there, many that surpass the original version, and many that try a very different take on the song than the original artist’s.  We couldn’t necessarily limit ourselves to a definitive “Top 5”, but the five here are definitely really good, and some of our favorites right now.

A little bit about me, I am a musician myself, and I am constantly on the hunt for new great artists that I can brag to my friends about listening to. I hate pretty much everything that’s on the radio right now, especially Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga.

I plan on writing a part 2, 3, and 4(for those of you who were worried), so don’t fret if there’s an album coming out in the future that you think you’d love.  Chances are, I think I will love them too and would absolutely not want to leave anyone out.

So here we go. November 23rd 2009, and these are my favorite albums of the year (so far):

Animal Collective- Merriweather Post Pavillion (released January 20, 2009)

This is a beautiful album that from beginning to end is ethereal, dreamy pop and unique.  This group has transformed what music can be and has opened up other bands to a slew of new sounds.  This is the first album of theirs that I do truly appreciate, but I now look forward to hearing more from them. “My Girls” and “Brother Sport” are among my favorites on this album. People think they’re overrated, but I beg to differ, friends. There’s a reason they top all the best album of the year lists for 2009.

A.C. Newman- Get Guilty (released January 20, 2009)

I have loved A.C. Newman since I first heard “On the Table” on The O.C. (Yes, unfortunately, I did happen to watch that abominable program- great soundtrack, shitty story), and then I downloaded the album The Slow Wonder and then I realized that he was part of The New Pornographers, whom I also love.  Anyhow, this album has some great rock tunes including the slow, “Prophets”, which was featured on the season 4 finale of How I met your Mother (my absolute favorite show).

Fruit Bats-The Ruminant Band (released August 4, 2009)

Just a great rock album. I love these guys and will probably continue to love anything they put out forever and ever.  Don’t ask me why. Maybe cuz it reminds me of listening to 104.3 back when they played classic rock all the time.  This album sounds like it was influenced by Leonard Cohen/Yes/Crosby Stills Nash and Young.

M. Ward- Hold Time (released February 17, 2009)

A great cohesive production. It’s a lot bluesy, a little rock ‘n’ roll, and his voice is outstanding.  The harmonies give me chills when I listen to them.  I love the distortion in the guitar and voice.  Add the keys and groovin’ drums, and you’ve got pure awesomeness. Again, this is an album that could easily have been made in the 60s, but with a modern spin on it. The songs “Rave on” and “Never had nobody like you” feat. Zooey Deschanel are among my favorites.

Ida Maria- Fortress Round My Heart (released April 14, 2009)

I just have one thing to say: “Oh my God!”  I love this album in its entirety.  When I first got this album, I put it on in my room and literally just started dancing around because I couldn’t help it.  The melodies are infectious, the beats are rockin’, and her voice is absolutely smokin’.  I am typically not a huge fan of the raspy, rockin’ vocals of a female artist but with her it’s different.  And she is very versatile in that the way she sings changes from track to track.  Loves it!

Passion Pit- Manners (released June 9, 2009)

I have never been a huge fan of dance-y, electronic-y music, but there is something about Passion Pit that I just love.  It may be the tone of Michael Angelakos’ voice, or the infectiously catchy harmonies.  It may even be the melodies themselves with the synth-goodness. Whatever it is, they have struck a chord with me.  I’m looking forward to much more from them in the future.

Peter Bjorn & John- Living Thing (released March 31, 2009)

From their last album Writer’s Block, I really only liked the one song, “Young Folks.”  Everything else was a bit too avante-garde for my tastes. But this 2009 release had me perking up my ears to their sound, again. I’ve listened through the whole album many times and always find myself singing along and boppin’ my head without meaning to. It kind of reminds me of the good things about the 80’s. Favorite tracks include, “Nothin’ to Worry About”, “It Don’t Move Me,” and the title track.

The Bird & The Bee- Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future (released January 27, 2009)

This is the perfect example to me of great dreamy pop.  On top of which, The Bird & The Bee did a cover of “Tonight You Belong to Me” from The Jerk, so right off the bat I love them. This is great, with a hint of electronica and a lot of infectious, poppy hooks. A definite Must-Hear.

Phoenix- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (released May 26, 2009)

Okay…this one obviously is topping all the indie music lists, but that is because it is soo good.  I love Phoenix, always have always will, and this is no exception.  The entire album is ridiculously danceable, with songs like, “1901″, “Rome”, and “Lisztomania.” This album is on everyone’s lists, and rightfully so.

Andrew Bird- Noble Beast (released January 20, 2009)

Who doesn’t love Andrew Bird?  The man plays the violin like a guitar, he plays the guitar amazingly, and the dude can whistle like an actual bird.  Funny, cuz his last name is Bird!  I think I’ve loved every album he’s put out (except for maybe his first one), and the song “Anonanimal” tops my favorites of the year.  It is beautiful, sweeping, and romantic.  It tells a story, as does the whole album.

Grizzly Bear- Veckatimest (released May 26, 2009)

Another song that tops my favorites of the year is “Two Weeks” from this album.  I mean, talk about great vocal writing. I love the keyboard and drums in here especially, but it’s just romantic and beautiful.  It is something that would definitely fit in with a 60’s rock collection. If I were making an independent film right now and needed a song for a big romantic scene, this would be the album I would look to for sure. Another song I love is “Cheerleader” so take a listen for yourself.

The Maccabees- Wall of Arms (released May 12, 2009)

“Little arms, little arms, little arms on a big body,” are lyrics from my favorite song on this album, “Dinosaurs.” Just a great rock/alternative album.  The horns are impeccable as well as the vocal melodies in each tune.Kind of reminds me of Mighty Mighty Bosstones or Reel Big Fish at certain points. “Love you better” is also a great love song, making me feel like they’re playing to me, and me alone.

Camera Obscura- My Maudlin Career (released April 21, 2009)

A nice big band sound comes from Camera Obscura on this album.  Very poppy, very catchy.  Nice hooks, and I love the horns in parts of the chorus.  Just makes me want to see them live so bad. “French Navy” is a great track as well as “Honey in the Sun.”  This is another group that definitely recalls influence from another time.

The Temper Trap- Conditions (released October 13, 2009)

Anybody seen a little film called 500 Days of Summer? Well, the main track in that film as well as in the trailer was called “Sweet Disposition” and it’s on this album.  It’s a great rock album, sounds pretty mainstream, and more likely that everyone will enjoy it.  I would say this is an album for everyone.  I can’t wait to hear more from this group!

Jason Lytle- Yours Truly, The Commuter (released May 19, 2009)

From Grandaddy, to making his own album, Jason Lytle has come a long way.  I really like this album from start to finish.  It’s a lot different from Grandaddy, has a more organic, acoustic feel as opposed to the electronica of Grandaddy. If you aren’t sold, listen to “Brand New Sun.”

Neko Case- Middle Cyclone (released March 3, 2009)

Also from The New Pornographers, Case comes out with a wonderful wonderful folk-rock album.  Every track unique, every track listenable. Reminds me of Patty Griffin/Jenny Lewis/Cat Power/Fiona Apple all rolled into one.

albums I am kind of over at this point:

• Yeah Yeah Yeahs- It’s Blitz! (Karen O. forgets lyrics at concerts…I’m over it),
• Fever Ray- Fever Ray (I like the song “When I Grow Up”, but that is literally the only track I can even stand from the album)

Thanks for reading, and there will be more to come in Part Two!

Lexi Scherr