Valerie

Giraffe: There Is No Devil

Carrying the moniker, Giraffe for this record, James Gardner releases his second compilation: There is No Devil. The album is a lush collection of folk, country alternative that's perfect for fans of artists like Bon Iver or similar soft folk singers. The songs resonate with acoustic guitars, beautiful singing and a catchy (sometimes odd) melody fit for most folk lovers. It's an album that could serve as a worthy background to a laid back afternoon where you just want some simple but engaging music to keep you company.

You Me and Apollo: Cards with Cheats

For moments when all you need is a sweet voiced singer with his guitar serenading your quiet afternoon; You Me and Apollo should make really good company. The guy behind this sonic ensemble is Brent Cowles. A pastor's son from Fort Collins, Cowles started writing and creating songs at the age of 14. Thanks to an early start, he developed a beautiful sound that resonates with both quiet and upbeat tempos, mesmerizing vocal work and skillful guitars. Simplicity and intrigue are both present in his work, something that makes you want to tune out the world and simply tune in to his songs.

Rockthedub presents The KhemLab

After two years since releasing their compilation, Offshore Drilling (not to the mention scores of praise and acclaim they got for it) The KhemLab is now back with their latest compilation. The Khemlab is essentially a collective of young, up-and-coming, talented MCs gathering together to create one explosive compilation. For their first collaboration, they utilized Kid Hum's instrumental record, Fossil Fuel as the back bone. This time around, the group conjures up original beats as well as a couple of sample cuts from "Diamond District and DJ Concept & DJ Mickey Knox' BYOP EP" to create this stunning piece of hip hop album worth hearing.

The New Mystikal Troubadours: Second Spring

Made up of duo, Dave Gibson and Matt Persinzki; The New Mysitkal Troubadours will help complete your relaxing afternoon with its trippy and soothing folk sound. Second Spring is the second compilation from this Baltimore, Maryland duo.Their first self-titled album was released back in 2009 and garnered a positive response as well. Much like their first, this second album is mostly comprised of weird stringed instruments, trippy vocals and lovely (almost undecipherable) melodies.

Windows Live Writer 2011

For people who prefer to write their blogposts offline, Windows Live Writer 2011 is your best solution. If you're running a Windows 7 OS, chances are you might already have this software installed on there somewhere. For those who are running an older Windows OS, you can grab the download and get started with blogging right away. The software is a great way to write your drafts and easily upload, even publish them, to your respective blogs. No more griping about losing everything the moment you lose your internet connection while saving. It supports blog themes, categories, tags and so much more that there's really no need to head to your blog's interface just to write your post.

The Upstairs: Ku Nobatkan Jadi Fantasi EP

Music is universal. Sometimes you don't need to understand or know a language just to appreciate a song. Take the Indonesian band The Upstairs' debut EP, Ku Nobatkan Jadi Fantasi; just one listen and you'll adore the hipster new wave album even if you have no clue what they're singing about. This album is released under Yes No Wave record and is available for free download under a Creative Commons license. Mixing punk, dance, new wave and plenty of fun, the band released the record in celebration of Jakarta's Independence Day. It served as a present to their fans especially the ones that have been by the band's side since they first started.

Black Lodge (Jak Locke)

Black Lodge is the much talked about videogame homage to the wildly popular Lynchian cult classic, Twin Peaks. If you're a fan of the series, you should be all over this game. It's a beautiful piece that essentially captures the craziness, mystery and magnetic storyline of the original tv show. The game was created by Jak lodge and features all the goodness the original storyline has to offer plus a bit more. With amazing Atari 2600 style, the game is playable for both Mac and PC. It also comes with a manual that the developer encourages you to read first before starting.

Immortal Beats: Sample Your Mind EP

This isn't just the latest compilation from Immortal Beats, it is a compilation that certainly deserves a listen. Sample Your Mind is a 14-track record that combines easy-listening R&B with some smooth vocal samples. Released back in 2010, the album is perfect for those comfy and relaxing nights where you just want to sit back, drink a glass of bubbly with your partner and enjoy the evening. Released back in 2010, the album is perfect for those comfy and relaxing nights where you just want to sit back, drink a glass of bubbly with your partner and enjoy the evening. Immortal Beats is a German producer that definitely knows his way around smooth and ready-to-mingle beats. He has released 5 records so far and each one of them merits a listen. However, if you want something to get you started, Sample Your Mind is a good place to start.