Alternative Pop

(live, REM, Sheryl Crow)

Weed Hounds: Demo

Weed Hounds is a four piece crew that create beautiful shoegaze, indie alternative, surfer rock music. Led by the sweet-voiced female lead, Laura Catalano; the group creates upbeat cuts that make you want to sit back in a cozy afternoon riding your bike around your neighborhood. She's joined by equally talented bandmates, Nicholas Rice, Patrick Stankard, and Keith Pilson. Containing four upbeat and lively songs, this demo was immediately followed up with the release of a  single as well as a split 7" with the band Dude Japan. This New York four piece is certainly worth watching out for.

Quentin: A Gig At The Dachshund Breeder’s Club House

Quentin is a German band that spits out punk rock tracks that you might not understand but is definitely a hell-of-a-lot-of fun to listen to. This three piece German band has definitely got spunk and tons of attitude. A Gig At The Dachshund Breeder's Club House is said to be more than one-year in the making yet it seems to be the product of a spontaneous live performance or get together in the studio. It has plenty of energy, attitude and a touch of cheekiness here and there. Definitely a cool 7-track compilation worth checking out. It's a bit of pop, Brit rock, new wave and punk all rolled into one interesting and upbeat record. Give it a download.

Daniel Berges & The Windsurfers – Drop By Drop

Daniel Berges & The Windsurfers comes out with their debut album, Drop By Drop. The record is a beautiful mix of pop, punk rock, alternative and a bit of jazzy blues. The group first got together back in August of 2010. Since then, they've been steadily performing live gigs that are known to "raise the temperature." Drop By Drop is the first album for the group and so far they are making quite an impression. Experimenting with pop, rock, blues and even jazz; the band is eager to show what they're capable of. The album is available as a free download on Jamendo and licensed under Creative Commons. Give it a listen.

Infant Color: Infant Color EP

This self titled debut EP from Infant Color reverberates with an 80s sound accompanied with tons of electronica and pop. The EP was originally released under Beat is Murder's free music section. Infant Color EP gathers together six tracks that would transport you back in time, to when Morrissey was big and Duran Duran was among your top favorite bands. Although it's not all 80s nostalgia, the compilation does echo this sentiment quite a bit. The EP is available for free download under a creative commons licensed. Find it here on Frostclick or head over to Archive.org. Worth checking out if you feel in the mood for some flashback from the past.

Josh Woodward – Sunny Side of the Street

Josh Woodward is no stranger here in the Frostclick blog. Some of his records have been featured and reviewed right here; these include: The Simple Life, Only Whispering, Bread Crumbs, and Dirty Wings. Like most of Woodward's music, the albums are mainly pop songs with a touch of quirkiness embedded on the lyrics. He always manages to create an enjoyable record that anybody will enjoy on their quiet time. Sunny Side of the Street is no exception, it features beautiful, upbeat tracks with funny lyrics. It's also licensed under Creative Commons and available as a free download. It's not tough to fall in love with Woodward's music. Just pick and listen to any song from this record and you'll find out what I'm talking about.

Pretty Little Empire: Stack Session at KWUR

Pretty Little Empire is a four piece Missouri band formed back in 2008. The group has released several records under their belt, including the 2009 debut, Sweet Sweet Hands. Their 2010 release, Reasons & Rooms was hailed as one of the top 10 best local albums by The Riverfront Times. This 5 track compilation showcases PLE's brand of melancholic alternative indie rock with touches of folk and pop here and there. The crew performed every single track live at KWUR. This showcases their latest single as well as a couple of songs from their previous album. A great compilation worth checking out. Perfect for moments where you feel like reflecting.

Born From A Shore’s Friends

Born From a Shore's five track EP, Friends, is a luscious indie folk pop compilation filled with twinkling background sounds and cool vocals. Although it's hard to find information about this group, (I think they're French) their EP is still worth listening to. Friends comes with 5 catchy tracks that incorporates a cool pop, sometimes laid-back jazzy kind of vibe. The vocal harmonies are excellent and the quality of the recording is quite good as well. It's very clear and crisp; very professional. Go ahead and take a listen to this wonderful EP. It'll take you to a dreamy landscape filled with wonderful strings, awesome melodies and sweet vocals.

Longsleeves: Passage of Stairs

Dubbing their music "folk magic," Longsleeves definitely know what their music can do to people. Passage of Stairs is a mini 4-track compilation that enchants and hypnotizes listeners with its sweet voiced, laid-back indie folk pop rock sound. Originally hailing from the quiet town of Huntington, Indiana; this currently California-based duo can turn an ordinary quiet day to something extra special with their music. So far, the two has released 7 compilations; offering them as a free digital download under creative commons. Longsleeves is one of the few bands that beautifully mixes indie folk with pop and rock, then anointing it with just the right percussions, vocal work and electronics. Certainly a must-have record for those looking for some "folk magic."

Plastic People: Good As You

Good As You by the Plastic People is a mix of electronic indie hipster pop that's super catchy and easy to dance to. Released on German netlabel, afmusic, the band's sound is littered with catchy beats, electronic samples, and hipster vocals. This French band knows how to trigger a happy, non-stop music fanfare when it comes to their music. Their sound is poppy with great hints of electro punk and social commentary. Even if you are not a strict fan of the genre, you'll still enjoy this one. The compilation is offered absolutely free from BandCamp and certainly worth having a go at.