Acoustic

(Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Dashboard Confession)

Orphan Songs

This self-titled debut album from Swedish band, Orphan Songs, is an amazing compilation of sweet, acoustic folk that will make you melt. It comes with 13 songs sung in a melodic folk pop rock style that's easy to listen to. Orphan Songs is a pet project for singer-songwriter, Carl-Otto Johansson. The album was originally released to critical acclaim back in 2008. By 2011, the album was re-released under a Creative Commons License; making it available as a free download. If you're looking for something to listen to on a quiet weekend, or maybe a companion for a long, drive home; you might want to check this out.

Roar – I Can’t Handle Change

I Can't Handle Change is a beautiful indie rock compilation from ROAR, an Arizona band spearheaded by Owen Evans, formerly of Asleep in the Sea. Evans is joined by a couple of mates in creating a band that sounds like the lovechild of Rivers Cuomo and his "wide-spread power-pop influence" or maybe "Brian Wilson playing his piano in the middle of a sandbox filled with dog turds." I partly agree with the first description but for sure, the band sounds like they are happy making music that's making other people (aka people like me) quite happy. They mix a good dose of pop, indie rock and sweet melodies to make you want to hit playback over and over again. Grab this download or help out the group by purchasing their record over at iTunes. Definitely worth it.

Dan Masquelier – Wake up

Dan Masquelier grew up with music; he plays violin, bass, piano, sings, writes and records his own creations. And with two albums already released on Jamendo many people who have made Dan's songs part of their permanent music collection hope there is still more to come. Originally from Tracy, California, and graduating from California State University at Chico with a degree in Music Industry and Technology, Dan's first album, Wake Up, is a wonderful blend of acoustic, folk, and a touch of indie sounds ready to warm up just about any day with its calm yet highly optimistic nature.

Dead Bugs: Magical Animals

This lo-fi acoustic record is a compilation of some of the best songs by Dead Bugs. Magical Animals is a dreamy, folk record that is both moody and very relaxing. The songs were carefully chosen from the artists entire musical history and compiled in one great record by Italian indie netlabel, KillMommyRecords. This New Jersey artists offers some of the most melodic, acoustic folk you'll hear. It's topped off with his really endearing vocals, making you just want to cuddle and listen. If you adore indie folk, then you'll simply have a place in your heart for this singer. Give this one a download.

Manipulator Alligator – We Raised Them

The straight forward way that Matthew Hoppock (Manipulator Alligator) tells his folk stories are unflinching, funny and very poignant.  He makes lo-fi music with his guitar and keyboard, and has an ear for infectious hooks.  We Raised Them is his first full length and has the tightest production of any of his releases.  His whole goal with these songs is to show us  these vignettes from various times in his life.  These off kilter folk songs make you tap your feet and smile at the same time. There is an energy to them because you can tell that Matthew believes what he is saying. That these aren't just words to him.

Learining Music: An End Like This

Learning Music Monthly came to life three years ago as a collaboration between LA based musician John Wood and a CC-friendly label Vosotros. The premise of the project was simple, yet unlike anything else that was done previously; each month John Wood would write, record, and master an album which would be than released as a part of a subscription service, a free digital download, or a $60 package that included the handmade album (including everything from bonus albums, stickers, and personalized birthday songs) to be delivered to your door. And now, after 36 albums and the amazing third season that marked the end of the project, Vosotros released equally great and free compilation featuring some of the best songs of those past 3 years.

Pawky Maven: Pruning Hooks

Swelling with gorgeous harmonies and lovely instrument work, Pawky Maven creates a beautiful indie folk music that's perfect for a quiet reverie. Pruning Hooks is composed of 12 dreamy, soulful indie goodness. Garnering influences from such greats as Elliot Smith, Sufjan Stevens, Fleetwood Mac and Simon and Garfunkel; this North Carolina native certainly reflects his musical taste. The album is a mix of acoustic pop mixed with an indie folk sound giving it that unique touch. Give the album a download. You're in for a nice treat.

Laura Stevenson and the Cans: A Record

Listening to Laura Stevenson and the Cans is like lying in a hammock under the shade and drifting away to dreamland. This amazing indie folk/rock artist beautifully mixes relaxing rhythms and melodies beautifully, making it look effortless. This album came about after Laura took several years steering clear from creating a compilation. Hence, when she finally decided to drop the sabbatical, "A Record," was born. In this one, you'll find a great variety of textures, instruments and simply gorgeous vocals from the singer and her crew. Most of her albums are available for purchase, but these are definitely worth it. However, for this record you can enjoy this one free. It's certainly worth the download and so much more.