Acoustic

(Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Dashboard Confession)

Las Canciones de Maru y Roman (Voy a Explotar Soundtrack)

Las Canciones de Maru y Roman is the soundtrack to the Mexican film Voy a Explotar; roughly translated as "I'm Gonna Explode!" The film tackles the story of Roman and Maru, two angry teens who decide to go on an adventure while making a pact to remain with each other at all times. The actual soundtrack which included music from the film, was initially geared for a commercial release, however, this didn't pan out. This current album is a compilation of 22 tracks handpicked by Carlos Reyes, the person behind Latin blog Club Fonograma. It is now the official soundtrack for the film and is offered absolutely free. Like the film, the record is an explosive combination of music genres, moods and instruments. Definitely a perfect accompaniment to this coming-of-age film.

Singleton: The High Seas

This catchy indie rock alternative crew from Kiev, Ukraine is certainly one to watch out for. Singleton first entered the music scene back in 2004. As they started out, they promoted their music by doing an extensive tour all over the Ukraine. However, it wasn't until 2009, when the band released their debut EP, Storms (get it here.) By 2010, the group pushed further and put together this 12 track compilation, The High Seas.

McKenzie Toma: McKenzie Toma

Lovely vocal work, amazing guitar skills and a very beautiful, calming melodic sound; Mckenzie Toma pretty much knows how to make listeners want more of her music. This Chicago native is currently offering her latest release as a free digital download over BandCamp. It's a six track compilation that is filled with gorgeous indie folk and country songs that'll make any folk lover melt or smile silly. Blessed with a heartwarming and endearing voice, McKenzie captivates her listeners track after track. The record is a first for the singer and with so much obvious talent up her sleeve, it certainly won't be her last. It's a compilation that certainly deserves plenty of exposure. Give this album a download. It won't disappoint.

Chantilly – Caught Light

Sweet and refreshing sounds from Brooklyn? Meet Chantilly, a young, energetic singer-songwriter and nine of her lovely quirky pop songs from the latest album, Caught Light. Chantilly is a blogger and an outfit poser (if you don't exactly know what that means be sure to check out her blog for some of the more recent entries), but most importantly Chantilly is a performing artist whose indie-pop songs are filled with beautifully composed melodies and memorable lyrics talking about the wonders of life and love.

Sea Birds: A Softness

This dreamy bedroom folk compilation is simply breathtaking. Like the album cover image, it's cold, desolate, moody and simply ethereal; all in a good way. A Softness is only 5 songs long but every cut is worth listening to and downloading. Sea Birds is actually Morgan Enos. He is a talented songwriter/singer and he has released several records available for free download on CLLCT. This multi-instrumentalist and folk singer is definitely worth checking out. No matter what moniker he uses, he manages to capture you with his sweet voice and amazing instrument work. A real gem for plenty of indie folk lovers out there.

Manors: Demo EP

This 3 song (aptly titled) Demo from Manors is a lo-fi bedroom recording of tracks from this cool girl band. Each track is raw and showcases a beautiful indie pop sound that you can only imagine as being more awesome if it had been professionally recorded and mastered. Even though the tracks have sub-par recording, it does contain a beautiful feel to it. The scratchy recording captures the spontaneity and the beauty of each instrument. Moreover, the experience is heightened by the 70s style vocal unison which is very pretty in places. Give this short a demo a run over and see whether you'll like it or not. One thing's for sure, this sweet compilation is destined as background music for plenty of summer fun.

Derek Clegg: Beautiful World

I greatly admire artists whose passion and personality is strongly reflected in their final craft. I also have a great respect for those who write, compose, record, and produce their music all without the backing of a label and still come out with an album that could make many other musicians jealous. Derek Clegg, a one man band, appeared twice on our blog last year, once with a release of KJC and than with Here Comes Your Fate, Quick Duck. Today he is back with yet another Creative Commons licensed Indie/folk/pop album, Beautiful World, filled with great lyrics and laid back yet diverse sounds that will surely place some of the songs into your 'favorites' playlist - for me this included Innocent, a beautiful track that hopefully will find its way up.

Music for Danny Devito

Did you ever put together a mixtape (or to be more time appropriate a mp3mix) to give it to someone special, or did you ever got one yourself? Yes, it might be a little bit old-school and some might even call it cheesy, but down deep inside we all know it is pretty - awesome. Well Mr. Devito you should feel special because MixGalaxy Records just 'gave' you a little gift of music. The compilation brings you one hour of great tracks ranging from easy listening, rock, and pop to ambient, dub, hip-hop, and electro-house. So give it a try... and a listen.